Final 2013 Installment of Jack

By now, Jack is back at the North Pole indulging in what elves do best...working in Santa's workshops, having snow ball fights, eating cookies and drinking hot cocoa...you know, just everyday fun for elves living at the North Pole. But until we see Jack again next year, I figured I better keep track of the mischief he got into this past Christmas. I have to say, the closer it got to Christmas, the more he liked to hide up high so he could get a good view of what was going on and to make sure everyone was on their best behavior. I have to say this is one of my favorite Christmas traditions - I love to see Arabella (and even Max) get excited when they search for him, the wonder and surprise is what Christmas is all about. Till next year...

On Christmas eve morning, Jack hid up high with a surprise for Arabella and Max - new Christmas pj's. He started bringing them a few years back and it has now become a tradition.

And finally, one night, we caught Jack getting into our Pinnacle peppermint vodka..at least he was off the bottle by the time Arabella and Max woke up...I wonder if he ever made it to the North Pole that night?!?!?

Max's Baptism

On December 22nd, Max was baptized (finally...I know it should have been sooner) at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Charlotte. We planned it for around Christmas since we knew a lot of family would be in town. Just like Arabella, Mac's godparents are Mike and Lori. I wrestled with who to have as Max's godparents and in the end, decided on the two people who have gone above and beyond for Arabella and who mean more than they know.

It was a beautiful ceremony and there were about 9 total baptisms taking place during the same ceremony. The priest did a wonderful job and we were lucky to have Jeff there who took some great pictures and video's of the day...thank you. Thank you to everyone who shared in this very special day for Max...Arabella, Mom, Dad, Mike and Jeff, Aunt Margo and Lori. We love you all so much and I am thankful for your presence.

One Year

Happy Birthday Max!!  In 2 minutes you will officially be 1 year old.  I can't imagine our lives without you.  You are silly, loveable, funny, curious and all boy.  Thank you for choosing me as your mom.  I am so lucky to have you and Arabella. You both have taught me to be more caring, kind and understanding.   This year flew by, and for that, I am sad, but I look forward to all our adventures together this next year.  I love you Max.

Two Thousand Fourteen

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life - the golden ones and the coarse ones - and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life.


I came across the above saying in a catalog yesterday (and sadly there was no credit given to who the author is) and thought it was fitting to reflect on what it important and what we should look forward to in the new year.  I am looking forward to 2014 being one of my best years yet.  I already have thoughts and ideas on what I need to do to make that happen.  Here's to a new year filled with joy, love, change and accomplishments for the better!  Happy 2014!

More Silly Jack!

Jack continued to surprise Arabella and Max with his silly antics!

School Christmas Activities

The week before Christmas was a busy one for Arabella at school. It seemed as if they had something planned every day. I love how the excitement to Christmas break builds each day. That is one of the things I remember most about school and I like being able to re-experience it with Arabella. It brings back such fun memories.

One day was "Polar Express" day. They were allowed to wear their pj's and had a special showing of the movie in the library. I think parts of the movie are scary, but it is one of Arabella's favorites. After the movie, they went back to the classroom and had a hot cocoa party. She was so excited to tell me all about it after school. She even received a bell like in the movie - she shook it for me and said "Mommy, can you hear it?" and when I told her "yes", she exclaimed, "You believe!". Yes, my beautiful girl, I do believe and I always will.

I coordinated Arabella's creative class gift for her teachers. We had each child draw a picture of the gift they would give the teacher. We then had it made into a book. It came out adorable and the teachers loved it.

The week ended with her class party. They decorated gingerbread cookies, made a craft and had a book swap. The room was chaotic but I wouldn't expect anything less. The kids all had a blast and I am happy that I was able to attend.

And to finish the day, Grammie, Uncle Mike, Auntie Lori, Max and I had lunch with Arabella at school. She loved it and was so excited to have us all there with her.

Santa's Visit

For a small town, ours sure does a lot. The volunteer fire department coordinated with Santa so that he could do a drive through of every neighborhood in our town. I had to keep Arabella and Max up later than I would have liked, but the expression on both of their faces when they saw him on the fire truck was priceless. He even spoke to the children through the speaker on the truck. It was great! I loved seeing the magic and wonder in Arabella and Max. That is truly what Christmas is all about.