Christmas Dinner

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We had Christmas dinner at our house. We had lots of food including: turkey, ham, ribs, meatballs, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, stuffing, greens, mixed veggies, crossiants, cranberry sauce, lettuce salad, veggie & cheese tray, and treats. I was so busy with the dinner that I didn't take any pictures during it ( I know, bad Trudy); however this is what our table set-up looked like. I hope that we'll be able to do more family entertaining in the future.

Friends Meet After 15 Years

Amy and I met 15 years ago in Kansas City on a FFA trip. We've written both snail mail and email over the years. So much has happened in both of our lives during that time. We finally had the opportunity to meet up and chat again in person. Amy's job brings her to the Charlotte area, so we hope to get together more often.

Christmas Cookies

We finally made cookies. The kids were so excited to help make them. Also notice they are wearing their new aprons. We made several tasty treats this year. In the picture are the Buckeyes. After the cookies were all rolled into balls, I melted the chocolate and gave them each a good coating. Yummy! In the picture (l to r) Markaisha, Aliyah, DaneQuah, Alexis, Jakiya

It's Apron Time

The kids were so excited to get a package from Grandma Sell. Inside they each had a tissue wrapped present, which they got to open. This wasn't a Christmas present, it was an "I Love You" present. After ripping the paper off and shouting out "WooHoo"; they had to try on their new aprons. They've been asking me everyday "When do we get to make cookies?". We'll be making some in the next few days and they'll get to wear their new aprons.

Christmas Party

There was a Christmas party hosted by Nathan's company. We took our children along with Tyriek, Emmanuel, and Jakia. We had a great meal, followed by crafts for the kids, singing, Santa, and a gift exchange. They played a game with the gifts and we ended up with 10 lottery tickets (we did win $4.00) and a $15 Starbucks gift card. Each child was given two presents also. They can't wait until Christmas to open them up.

Alexis and Aliyah singing in front of the group. Aliyah sang "The ABC" song first and Alexis sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". We were so proud of them.

Aliyah having a great time making her foam Christmas tree.

Alexander making his tree.

Alexis is adding ornaments to her tree.

The kids got pictures with Santa too but I wanted to share this one. We were told that you're never to old to have your picture taken with Santa. Alexander took this picture.

The Ball - Myrtle Beach

Here's the picture of us at the ball in Myrtle Beach. It's so much fun to get dressed up.

Dressed for Church

We've finally found a church that we'll be attending while we're living here in North Carolina. The kids looked so nice, I just had to share. Tyriek was visiting for the weekend.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving - lots of food and fun at Leita's house. Afterwards, we brought some of our cousins back to North Carolina for the weekend. First work (school work that is) followed by lots of playing. We had movie night (Wall-E), a birthday party for Tyriek, the Monopoly Showdown, video games on the PlayStation & computer, and playing with the dolls, hot wheels & other toys. It was a fabulous time.

Ready to watch Wall-E (the movie). Emmanuel, Alexander, Tyriek (in front) Jakia, Aliyah, Alexis (second row)

The Monopoly Showdown (first the kids played, then the adults).

The Birthday Party. Alexander, Emmanuel (standing), Tyriek, Alexis, & Jakia

Daniel helped out by doing the dishes.

Weekend at Myrtle Beach

Nathan and I went to Myrtle Beach for the weekend of November 21 - November 23. We had a wonderful time. However, I do suggest going when it's warmer outside. We didn't get to take advantage of being at the beach (no sun tanning or building of sandcastles was done). Take a look at the beach, not too many people were brave enough to stroll along the water's edge. These pictures show the fantastic view from out hotel room. It was on the 18th floor. I'll add the picture of us at the ball once we get it from the photographer.

The Pirate Play

On November 20, the 3rd graders put on a play about pirates (their school mascot). Alexander is in the middle of the back row with the bandanna on his head. They sang many songs that evening with arm actions. He had a great time, even though there was very little space to move.

Barbie Blanket

Aliyah With Her New Blanket

Here it is - I have finally finished one of the Barbie blankets. I am really happy with how it turned out. Mom was great with helping out over the phone. It's not perfect; but it's just my first one. Now, to get Alexis' blanket finished. Hopefully it won't take quite as long as this one or she may have outgrown Barbie by then. Besides, Alexander wants to know when he's getting a blanket made by me too. I guess it's time for me to get sewing :)

Special Person Day at School

On October 24 the school had activities planned for "Special Person Day". Aliyah and I went to both classroom's programs.

We helped Alexis create a scarecrow for hanging up in the hallway.

Each "Special Person" was given a gift made by their student. We had a great time comparing hand sizes.



















Alexander's class created poems, which each student read aloud. They were written to their "Special Person" during a classroom project.















His class also made paper flowers for their "Special Person".

Alexander and his friends showing their "big pipes" after the presentation was completed. His class also sang a song for us before refreshments were served.

Halloween

Halloween has come and gone this year. We bought pumpkins for the kids to carve. Alexander and Alexis had a great time. However, Aliyah was grossed out by the seeds inside the pumpkin that needed to be cleaned out. I ended up cleaning and carving the pumpkin for her while she played with her doll.

Everyone picked out their own pumpkin. They are ready to be carved.

I am cutting the tops off with a knife. Alexis is supervising.

Alexis and Alexander helped clean their pumpkin. Aliyah watched.

Alexis and Alexander busy marking their pumpkin for carving.

Alexander chose to be a ninja, Alexis the "dark princess" and Aliyah the "good princess". Nathan took them around the neighborhood trick or treating. They came home with their buckets full. I stayed home and passed out candy. We had lots of costumed children ring our door bell for candy.

Settled in North Carolina

This has been quite a year for our family. However, we are currently settled into our new place in Monroe, North Carolina. We started this year living in Wisconsin and with Nathan's safe return from his tour in Korea; we moved to Maryland. Shortly after arriving in Maryland we realized we would be moving again. The powers that be decided that would be to Monroe, North Carolina. Nathan is active in the United States Army (which expains the moves).

We are living close to Nathan's side of the family which is only 1 1/2 hours away. It's nice to live near family members again.