Thanksgiving 08

Dinner turned out wonderful this year! I did all the cooking and wasn't even stressed because I was able to do most of the preparations the day before. We had 15 adults (counting Blain and I) and 3 kids. The house was packed. One couple brought some appetizers, another drinks and another brought Mac 'N Cheese. Nothing came out of the oven cold, undercooked or burned (yay)! And the turkey was BEAUTIFUL! My deviled eggs and brownies were a huge hit and that made me feel like I really accomplished this task of feeding all these Marines, Airmen and soilders! Thanks to everyone who came!

Busy day!!!

This whole week has been non-stop for me! The past two days I have been super cleaning our house: bedrooms, all downstairs, both bathrooms and of course kitchen! Today I am doing almost all the cooking! Currently, the second batch of potatoes are cooking, the eggs are boiled, and the turkey is thawing! By tonight, the mashed potatoes will be mashed and in the fridge, the green bean casserole will be mixed and in the fridge, the eggs will be peeled and the turkey will have all its insides taken out...by Blain of course! That way, tomorrow, all we have to do is put everything in the oven!!!

Go me!

My photo shoot with Madison

I love this little girl! She is funny and animated!
She has so many different expressions!

Kisses for Mommy!

It's so fun having a daughter who is not camera shy!

Madison has brought a whole new joy to my life that I can't explain! I am blessed and so lucky to have been given such a beautiful gift and I am curious to see what the future holds for her! Mommy loves you Madison!

Emily's first trip to the Aquarium!

We took Emily and Madison to the aquarium on the 15th and it was such a nice outing! Madison was running from here to there, wanting to look at every single fish and Emily was so well behaved and even followed some of the fish with her eyes! She is tracking so well now! It is so nice to get out of the house with both girls and just be a family! I am looking foward to many more outings with our girls!

Emily with Daddy looking at the BIG tuna fish and sharks!

My new favorite picture!!! Emily was so comfy in Daddy's arms!

Madison was in awe at the little sharks! (above)

And at the crabs! (below)

"Fun is Contagious"

This video was sent to me by a Marine Mom and I just love it! Especially since we just had the ball and all the Marines were on the dance floor grooving to this song! Now, Madison asks to watch "the boys" and loves the way they dance! Enjoy!

US Marine Corps Ball 2008

We had a wonderful time at this years Marine Corps Ball. My mom was an angel and came at 3 pm to begin babysitting. Blain and I were able to get ready without having to worry about the girls. 6 pm to 7 pm was cocktail hour and we spent that time mingling with other Marines. At 7 pm the ceremony began. It was beautiful. There were a few speakers, the ceremonial cutting of the cake and the passing of the cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest.

This is the table they had set up for those who are currently deployed and for all those who gave their lives serving in the Corps.

Following the ceremony, we had a delicious dinner. Blain had steak and I had chicken, both were served with salad, mashed potatoes, asparagus and bread. We had cake and then there was dancing! We stayed till about 10 pm and then headed home. It was a great night out...it is always fun to dress up and go out to a hall full of Marines!

Me feeling so pretty!

Thank you again Mom for driving out to watch the girls (and Jayson) it truly meant alot to all of us! (And I hope you're having fun on your cruise!)

Happy 233rd Birthday Marines! And Happy Veterans' Day!!!

Above: Blain and I

Below: Kim and Ben

3 months old today!

Emily is 3 months old today. Where has the time gone? We are so blessed to have her in our lives, she is beautiful and just melts your heart when she smiles at you. She slept through the night for the first time last night (730 pm to 7 am)!!! Happy 3 months my baby girl!

Above: The day we brought her home.

Below: Emily at 3 months old!

Our Halloween...

This year we didn't do costumes and we didn't do Trick or Treating. However, both girls got pumpkin shirts, we had lunch with my grandparents, Madison and I made cookies, she went on an outing with her dad and we all passed out candy to other kids. While some of the costumes scared Madison, she was very helpful and put candy right into the kids' bags saying "Here, here boy!" And she waved bye to everyone as they left.

Our good friends Kim and Ben came over with their son Jayson. We had a great visit, ate good pizza and watched a movie. Thanks again guys!

Jayson and Emily

Our Halloween...cont.

She is so precious!
Beautiful smile!

I can't remember why she was laughing, but it made a great picture!

"Pumpkin Momma!"

Strike a pose!

Our girls on the front porch.

A great smile from Emily!

Such a pretty little girl.

Picking out a pumpkin

We met my mom at Casa De Fruta the weekend before Halloween so Madison could pick out a pumpkin.