Mountain Mom{me}: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...a month late!!!!:)

Obviously 2011 has began on a busy note or I would have already posted Christmas pictures...but it is better late than never!!! We had a very enjoyable Christmas break. We had our own family Christmas on Christmas Eve. We spent Christmas day split between my parents and Josh's parents house...of course they are 3 1/2 hours apart so we also traveled for a large portion of the day. Never the less, we had a great time everywhere we went. My mom also hosted the annual "Appetizer and Game Night" which is fun for all. The entire meal consisted of just appetizers....which is my kind of meal. We also played Rook and other board and card games. We also had house guests for a couple of nights. My cousin Sarah and her husband Jared and their dog Chloe from Tennessee joined us over the New Year's weekend. We celebrated Christmas at my grandparents that weekend. We had a wonderful time visiting and catching up with family.

In addition to the family festivities, our dog Gracie kept us busy. She began the break with stitches due to a spaying. One week later, she was attacked by a coyote...IN OUR YARD...and had to undergo another surgery to install a drain tube in her side. The poor thing had 17 stitches in her at one time, a yellow latex tube on her side, half of her body shaved from the two surgeries, and the icing on the cake was when traveling to Josh's parents in Illinois, she had to be sedated for the trip. Gracie was quite comical looking but handled it well. I think we spent more money on her than the kids for Christmas!!!

School began for the new year much as the year ended...with snow. Several inches have fell on the area in four small snow storms. As a result, we have missed five days of school this month. Now I love a snow day..probably more than my students. But I will dread waking up on a nice morning in June for make-up days. However, I should be thankful for the extra time spent with the kids.

Enjoy the pics from the holiday break!!!

Our Family Christmas Tree

Abby's Homemade Advent Calendar---On the back of each date was a task for the day, such as help mommy set the table, color a picture and hang it up, or play quietly in your room. Once Abby completed the task she received a piece of candy. The tree she colored "rainbow" colors.

I love this picture of Abby!!! She was so excited about this book. It has princess figurines that coordinates with the story. She had been asking for this gift since October. I think her reaction says it all!!!

Micah and his guns!!! He LOVES to shoot them. He makes a sneezing noise when he shoots.

Abby and her bathtime Ariel doll.

THE CREW!!!--Isaac, Abby, Micah, Levi, Caleb, Samuel, Camden, and Cainan at Nana and Papaw Jeff's Christmas Eve.

Abby and Micah at Mamaw and Papaw Steve's in Illinois.

Abby and Micah climbed in Gracie's dog cage.

Micah lounging in his FAVORITE pajamas. He LOVES these pajamas and wants to wear them all the time. He evens wants to wear them over regular clothes. I thought this picture was adorable.