Caris' first MDO Christmas program

What a week this was...Caris had her first Christmas program on a Thursday. On Tuesday her daddy got a bad case of stomach bug and could not keep anything down all day. I finally took him to the doctor and he headed back to work on Wednesday. Well, then had to head right back home since I woke up with the same thing. The grandparents had to tend to Caris while he took me to the doctor. They gave me a pill to take care of the nausea to calm my stomach that literally knocked me out for 24 hours. But praise God we were all better the following day to see our little Peanut in her program. Therefore, daddy forgot his mega tron camera but I bought a backup so the zoomed in pics are terrible but it's still better than nothing!

All ready

One of the staff's husband built this nativity set for the school...such skills!

Funny that her dress matched their Christmas tree.

Families patiently waiting

They showed the students on the monitor and here she was...

The deer in the headlights look...

We were both saying "finger out of the mouth" at this point!

Trying to follow the music teacher

Exit, stage left

Waiting for cookies and lemonade

Looking for us

When can I get into my jammies and call it a night?

Her sweet teacher, Mrs. Sharry

All juiced up to go home!

Crafts and Cookie Exchange

I hosted a Cookie Exchange for the ladies at our church and so much fun putting it all together. After all, everyone brought homemade cookies and we all got to take some home! I still have some in the freezer if you stop by the house! Pics weren't very good but I'm still trying to get a hang of hosting and taking pics.

Making Spice Drop Tree- fun little crafts to do with Caris

My Candy Elf

Kissing Tree

I got the centerpiece idea from my MOPS group.

Kim and Rebecca

The take home table...Funny story about the green Spritz Cookies. The hubby of my friend Stacy told her "why are you bringing the ladies tic tacs!"

Stacy & Maria, both from our Life Group

Sweet fellowship even with the window glare and all.

Yummy cookies!

Merry Christmas from us!

Just a quick blurb to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyful 2011! I feel like a walking advertisement but must say I'm deeply grateful for Rebecca Read Designs for designing our Christmas card and our family pix taken by my good friend, Amy Vecchio, who started her own business with Captured Simplicity. These ladies are so gifted at what they do and we couldn't be more blessed by their creativity.

Here's a quote I heard the other day, "There has been only one Christmas-the rest are anniversaries." W.J. Cameron. So true, isn't it? Thank you Jesus that you came so that we are filled with hope! Isn't it so wonderful that God's grace came in the form of Jesus? May this be our reason to celebrate this season!

Front of our card

Back of card

Thanksgiving

I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone! This year is rapidly going by and I'm sure the next post will be Christmas already! It always seems so trite to say how many things I am thankful for when it comes to this time of the year so I'm trying to cultivate an attitude of gratefulness every day instead of just on a particular day. But on this day I'm especially thankful for the Baker side of the family. I'm grateful that we get to spend another Thanksgiving with Patrick's grandmother, Jessie. I'm so glad that Caris has her in her life because what a legacy she will be leaving. She grew up on a farm amongst 13 siblings so you know she is tenacious and hardworking. She will be 91 years old in January and is still going strong and mentally and physically. If you talk to her she will contribute it to taking Lecithin on a daily basis. I might have to look into that very soon indeed! We love you Grandma Jessie and so very thankful for you!

This pic is too sweet for words...Caris holding her hands on their way to the Koi Pond

We always love coming out to this quiet and peaceful corner of Magnolia!

School of Koi and goldfish

The Bakers sure love their dogs with Legacy(Grandma Kitty's) , the Bakers' Golden Retrievers Daisy and Ginger...even they were hungry for some Turkey!

Working up her appetite going up and down the hill most of the time we were there!

The table is set

Food spread...Uncle Gary, in addition to making the Fried Turkey, made fried mushrooms and fried cauliflower....That's how we roll here in the South!

My two turkeys

Dessert corner

Great Grandma Jessie, Caris & Daddy

Grandma Kitty with Caris

Stuffing herself with chips, what else?

My other Turkey!

Master Chef, Uncle Gary-doesn't hubby resemble him?

Grandma Kitty

All the cooks hanging out on the back porch

Then it was Smores Time!

That's my girl! Chocolate is your friend!

Like father, like daughter!

Us in front of the mini bonfire

Aunt Sharon & Cousin Lesley ready for some!

I think Lesley dreamt up this idea since the Bonfire tradition was no longer there when she was an Aggie! :)

This was our take home plate...tastes even better the day after!

Turkey coma...she refused to take a nap that day and ended up napping for 4 hours the day after, I kid you not!

Making Pumpkin muffins

Thankful Wreath from MDO

We have so much to be thankful for! But when I think of gratefulness I cannot do so without thinking about the One that I am most thankful for...without Jesus I am nothing! "Give thanks in all circumstances, this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18