New Years

New Years Ross mom, dad, sister, and Justin (our nephew) came down to visit. We loved spending time with them and having our second Christmas. They got here right before Ross got home and we had Christmas all over again. Thank yall so much for everything you gave us, it was such a blessing!!! That night Ross got to try out his chocolate milk mixer and we played the Wii we got from mom and dad Jenkins until the ball dropped. Then we watched the ball drop and apparently Raleigh has a acorn that drops at midnight too. So we watched both of them drop gave New Years kisses and went back to playing the Wii. New Years day was spent playing games and talking. We had waffles for breakfast and French Dip sandwiches for dinner. The cats again enjoyed sleeping all day, who knew when people come they would sleep and when people left they would be going crazy again!!!
That night was spent playing the Wii to see who was the best at bowling and tennis. Ross went to bed with a sore arm he said. But, I have to say he picked out some really good Mii's to put on our Wii. You'll have to come over and see, we even have Jesus as a Mii....not sure how good that is but, he's there.
They left after breakfast the next day, right before Ross headed off to work. Then it was time to clean up and for me to go to work that night. We had a wondeful time visiting with yall and thank you so much for come to see us!!! Sadly we didn't take any picture while they were down.

Christmas

This year was our first Christmas at our house. So we had everyone come visit us and it was great!!! Mom, dad, Renee, and Grandma all came down for Christmas day and then Christian showed up the next day. Everyone showed up late on the 23rd and they had two cars worth of stuff!!! I guess that's what happen when you have to move tons of presents. So in the matter of a few minutes out tree went from one present under it to overflowing with presents and our stocking went from empty to full!!! We had a blast, we went out on Christmas eve to pick up a few things, plus it's my dad's tradition that's when you do your shopping. I have to say though I am glad I don't shop on Christmas Eve, it was crazy out there!!!! Then we came home and hung put until Ross got home from work. Dad made homemade bread while I did homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. We were so excited he got off early (4pm), but he did have to go in early that day too (8am). Then we headed to NorthWake for Christmas Service. It was very different but the children basically put on our whole service, telling the story of Christ's birth through songs and reading parts of the Bible. Ross and I agreed we never knew that NorthWake had so many talented kids!! Everyone loved it and they got to meet some of our friends!! That night we came home and made chicken marsala for dinner. O it was delicious!!! And had goodies for dessert, there were tons in the house at that time!!! And just hung out the rest of the night. O and can't forget playing with the cats.

Christmas morning we all woke up and ate homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, they were really sweet but really good. And then opened presents. The cats were going crazy with all the paper and bows to play with. They had their tuna for Christmas and enjoyed every last bite of it! Both licked the bowl clean!!! Ross and I had a great Christmas, everyone blessed us so much!! (Thank you very very much for everything). Ross started the turkey in the rotisserie and mom started the fixings. It turned out fantastic!!! Christmas dinner was delicious and couldn't have gone better with the Ukrop's fudge pie mom and dad brought. This was about the time the cats feel asleep and they didn't get up for at least 24-48 hours...I think we tired them out!!! That night we started on the gingerbread house since Christian was gonna be there the next day to help us with it.

the next couple of days were spent just working on the gingerbread house and hanging out, both days everyone was still here we got to eat lunch with Ross which was great to get to hang out with him that extra time. But all in all it was a great Christmas and we loved seeing everyone. Thanks for coming down and spending it was us!!

Mom and dad got us a bookshelf while we were shopping (Thanks again). Ollie was helping Ross put it together on Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas Tree

All the stocking (l to r - Mine, Renee's, Christian's, and Ross').

Ozzy Christmas day playing with the ribbon.

Ollie didn't like us putting a bow on his head.

Dad opening his gift from mom.

Grandma got a picture frame with picture in it from Meme.

Renee's sweater from Aunt Lynda.

Ollie with his ribbons.

Ollie got to tired to play with his ribbons.

That was our Christmas and we loved it!!! Can't wait for next year.

Christmas Decorating

We have decorated our tree for Christmas. Ross and I agree that this is the first time in many years we are both excited about Christmas coming. Last year was fun but it just didn't feel like Christmas. Maybe it's because we were in the apartment and we had to travel. but, this year everyone is coming to see us and we're really excited. Our house is almost all decorated. And I'm baking tons of goodies!! The day we did our tree Ross got most of the lights on, and again we had just enough. And I put the ornaments on. I had to run to the store a few days later and get some candy canes because out tree was missing some. Sadly there was no tinsel on our tree but we don't want our kitty's to get sick. We can't wait to get some presents under the tree but for now it looks really pretty all lite up and decorated!!!

Gettin the lights on

First ornaments on

All light up and halfway done

Side all done, minus candy canes

All done, except the candy canes

Complete with candy canes and all!!!

The beginning of decorating our mantel.

Finished product!

What the cats did while we decorated!

Mom, Renee and I have already made up what we are having for Christmas dinner!! Rotisserie turkey, mashed spuds, sweet potato casserole, and so much more!!! I can't wait. Plus I'm making homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. It's a tradition you have to have cinnamon rolls Christmas morning. I'm so excited!! Christmas Eve service we're going to be going to North Wake....I've wanted to go since we moved (I know it's only been one year in NC) so I can't wait to see the kids play and everything. It'll be really nice to see all our friends at service on Christmas Eve and for my parents to meet them again.

Here's what I've baked so far, and what I have to go....

Choclate fudge

Beginning of peanut butter balls

Pumpkin bread (Lorren and I made for our neighbors)

Chocolate chip meringue cookies

What I have left to bake is...
*A second batch of chocolate chip meringue cookies
*7-layer brownies
*Haystacks
*Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
*Chocolate Chip cookies
*Whoopie Pies
*Gingerbread Cookie

Possibly list..
*No Bake Cookies
*Easy fudge Brownies
*Chocolate Pretzel rods
*Caramel Apple Cookies

I also have to bake and huge gingerbread house before Christmas Eve because my sisiter and I are putting one together!!! I'm so excited, and I will take lots and lots of pictures. Small group is not having a contest but they got me hooked on huge elaborate gingerbread houses...this year being no different. So keep checking for pictures of that after Christmas!!!

Last I am happy to say the cats have yet to climb the tree! They hate the smell of orange so we put something that smells like orange at the bottom of the tree, worked so far. I hope it works till we take it down. And they are showing no intrest in the hanging stockings, which I am greatful for!