My family has a few family traditions during the holidays that I just love. Matt and I have embraced most of these traditions ourselves when we celebrate the holidays at our home. Some of my favorites include:

• On Christmas eve, we leave the tree lights on all night long. It is the only night we leave the lights on throughout the night.

• We always attend Christmas eve service and then come home and have dinner/snacks before bed. When we were little, we were always given one present on Christmas eve to open. (see Katie in the picture at church holding her candle and red tassel and Marcus in his car seat- he fell asleep on the way home)
  

• For breakfast Christmas morning, we have Apple Puff Pancakes (Matt and Katie's favorite!) fruit salad, and sausage links.

This year, only the kids received presents and I loved it. It was so refreshing to not have to buy gifts for everyone. With Matt gone, the holidays have felt so different. While I do enjoy giving and receiving, it was nice to have time just to reflect on the true meanings of the holiday. Despite not having daddy around, we were able to enjoy ourselves. I pray next year he'll be home to celebrate the holidays with us.

Marcus finds the Christmas tree

I bought a lighted multi-colored Christmas tree for our house here in Florida. Katie has always wanted lights that were colored (I always have white lights on our trees at home). So, I picked one up at Walmart and put it up. She was thrilled. It was very simple, just the tree and a few ornaments Katie had made at school. So cute! Well, Marcus found the tree the other day and boy did he have fun. He kept trying to get the lights, and to pull on the branches. Here are a few pictures of the little guy having fun. Merry Christmas!

Katie goes ice skating

So, we decided it might be fun to take Katie ice skating. Funny thing about ice skating... it always looks easier then it really is! Especially, if you haven't skated in years. First, we decided my sister would be the best choice to go out on the ice with Katie. Well, she stepped on the ice, took Katie's hand, and then informed us that she could not do it! I decided I'd take a try at it, and it was difficult to manage Katie on the ice and myself. However, we made it around the rink 3 times and Katie said she liked it. She actually said it was harder then it looked. I agree! Towards the end, she wanted to hold on to the side and do it "by herself." However, we captured a memory or two on the camera and it was worth the effort!

Marcus has his 6 month check up

Marcus went to the doctor today for his 6 month checkup. He weighs 19lbs 3oz and is 29 inches long. His weight is in the 75th percentile and his height is off the charts! Looks like we have a tall one on our hands. With the way he moves around all the time I think this one will be in sports for sure! Marc did great for the shots he had to have today, and overall he is in good health! I love my little boy. Check out this recent picture of him in a shirt I bought for him that I know his daddy is going to love! The shirt says"2nd in command after dad"... too cute!

Grammy's Visit

I haven't blogged in so long and so much has happened the last few weeks. However, I don't have enough time to blog about everything that has happened in the last month! So, I'll post a few pictures from some fun times. Grammy Pam came to visit us in Connecticut. We had a nice time together. Here are a few pictures from her visit. We were able to go to the aquarium and see the Sea Loin show, go to Chuck-e-cheese, and have the kid's Christmas pictures taken. We kept ourselves busy! Katie had a great time, and Marcus enjoyed having Grammy around also... see the sweet picture of Katie wearing Grammy's reading glasses.

Snowman Cake

My friend Ali celebrated her birthday on Sunday and I invited her over for cake. I was excited to make something delicious... and was hoping Ali loved chocolate cake. No, she requested plain old white cake! Well, I wanted to please the birthday girl but just because it was white cake didn't mean it couldn't be a cool cake! I had this recipe from the Pampered Chef's Festive Desserts cookbook and Katie was so excited when I made it. Needless to say it was adorable, although I don't think I'd make it again. I am much more of an ooey gooey chocolate girl myself. Happy Birthday, Ali!

Dora Edible Fruit Arrangement

The day after Matt left he made Katie and I very happy with a delivery of an Edible Fruit arrangement. Katie loves fruit, and we snacked on this thing all day (and had plenty of leftovers). I thought this was a really cool gift that we could all enjoy. I do love getting flowers, but sometimes I feel like I'd have rather had the money spent on something else. Well, here's a great idea! Here's a picture of Katie with her fruit and the video she made for daddy. In the video, she takes a bit of the fruit- I didn't even ask her to do that-cute. Hopefully, we'll be able to get it to him in a mail drop sometime. Delicious!

I'm thankful for...

Okay, now that it is December 1st this post is coming a bit late. However, I have a sweet picture of Marcus that says what he is thankful for. Since I wanted to post it, I thought I'd mention a few things I am thankful for:

My husband and beautiful children
My wonderful friends and family
For my home, warm and comforting
For my freedom
My own vehicle
For enough food to eat and share with others
For my kid's pediatricians
The neighborhood I live in
The internet- being able to connect with others online and e-mail to talk to my hubby

These are just a few of the many things I am grateful for. Hope it made you think of a few things you are thankful for!