Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to you all. No, I did not get cards out this year, and I never did decorate the tree, but the kids did put a few of their new ornaments up. No matter how much you streamline your "to do" list, there is always the last minute rush to get things done. Paul and I enjoyed our traditional race to the finish line baking, candy making and gift/fruit basket arranging. His great-grandfather was a candy maker, and Paul seems to have gotten that gene because he makes great caramels and toffee. The late nights are not so good for our bodies but very good for our relationship; we love the time together. Below Paul is making one of his fruit baskets while I was in the other room wrapping some presents. The kids were watching him arrange fruit and then shrink the plastic around the basket when I hear him say, "kids- this is what you call produce magic." His produce magic will only be cool so long, but I let him have his moment.





Christmas Eve we went to Mass with Paul's parents and sister, and then we headed to his other sister's for the evening festivities. It was a fun night of good food and good fellowship. No event seems complete these days without at least one pouting sessions from our little Gabriella. Here her Uncle Mike tried to coax her into opening one of her presents, but she wasn't having it.



One of Grandma's gifts to all 13 grandchildren this year was a homemade fleece blanket. We tried to get them all in a picture, but again my sweet 2 year old would have nothing to do with it.



Christmas morning started out slow since we didn't get home until almost midnight. Pauly didn't waste anytime and got to playing right away with his new legos. Paul hates to be blogged,but I couldn't pass up a picture of their morning hair- like father like son. Paul and I got baking and wrapping again, yes we baked Christmas morning- a pecan pie for my mom and a birthday cake for Jesus. Then we headed to my parents for the day.








I just love this man!





Me and my boys; handsome like their daddy.



The girls are growing into such beautiful little ladies.

It's getting tougher and tougher to get everyone looking "pretty" so we settle for what we can get, still a pretty good looking bunch if I do say so myself. It's fun to look back at the pictures from year to year and see how our family changes; time passes quickly.







Gabriella and Yai Yai enjoy some tea together away from the hubbub.


Thankfully, both little ones took a nap. Merry Christmas to me!

Happy New Year to you all as well. No pictures, but we celebrated in our traditional way. Elizabeth and I went to Mass in the evening because our heat went out in the van, and we needed to split up for Mass. Then we headed home, and my parents came over. They have been coming over every since New Year's Eve since we were married I think. We eat to much food, but we enjoy the company and enjoy bringing in the new year together and celebrating my birthday. I'm a New Year's baby which is kind of fun.

Paul and the girls started out the new year with Mass and birthday shopping. The kids decorated the paper around my present. I don't know if it comes out clear, but it was very sweet to see all their creativity and love. I was so excited when I opened up my new vacuum cleaner. I'm a simple girl, and I need a new one so badly, so this was perfect. I also go some statues to go with my Willow Tree collection. We had family and friends over, and had a great day

May you all be blessed in this new year.