New Years Eve

We went to Kobe Steaks (a Japanese restaurant) tonight with 2 special families - The Moss Family and The Bradshaw Family. What a great way to end 2009 and start the holiday weekend. The food was excellent and I am still thinking about that shrimp! We had an early reservation which allowed us time to play games and hang out at Matt and Sara Jo's afterwards. Uno Attack, singing Christmas carols, remote controlled dinosaurs, dancing Dora, college football... what a fun evening.

Some Resolutions

1. Embrace the Fruits of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. There is always room for improvement in these areas.

2. Read more. I do feel better when I am reading a good book. I consider myself an avid reader who has taken an extended break. I am ready to get back in the habit.

3. Take better care of myself

4. Pray without ceasing

5. Dare to dream (cheesy but true)

Got Scissors?

She's got her game face on

A few more pictures from NC

Christmas 2009 was a success! We had a great time with all of our family. Time always flies when we are home but there is no place we would rather be.

Ellen cried when Dad put on the Santa mask

The Day After Christmas

Christmas in Charlotte

Ellen and Nana

Uncle DavidPeeking in Daddy's stocking
David got a guitar for Christmas
Professional present opener
Group shot
Aunt Laurie and Aunt Kendra coloring with Ellen
My rockstar
Ellen loved the guitar
Family picture at Shomars The Aunts

Grandpa and Nana with Ellen

At Andrea's

Today we went to Charlotte to visit Grandpa, Nana, Aunt Kendra, Aunt Laurie and Uncle David. We usually open presents with them on Christmas Day but it worked out better for us to come the day after Christmas this year. We opened presents soon after we arrived. In true McCullough fashion our stockings were filled with candy. Ellen got colorful headbands, ponytails with sparkly flowers and a Dora coloring/sticker activity book in addition to her treats. She also got a couple of items that go with her dollhouse [the kitchen "furniture" and a pony set that came with a little cowgirl], train track and a helicopter to go with her Thomas stuff, a collection of Curious George stories and Elmo tickle me hands. She had a lot of fun playing with her new toys. After opening presents we went to Shomar's for lunch. I got my usual fish sandwich, onion rings and sweet tea. We all enjoyed good food and good conversation. Kendra left from the restaurant to head back to Nashville. Ellen had a long nap after lunch and we watched TV and watched Phillip and David play Mario Cart. It was a lot of fun!

We left Charlotte around 4:30 and drove straight to Andrea and Caleb's house. Ashling was taking a late nap so Ellen played with some toys while we talked and helped with dinner. Mom and dad arrived soon after we did. We feasted on beef tenderloin with mushroom gravy, polenta, green beans, salad and crescent rolls. Dessert consisted of chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Mom gave Ashling and Ellen a bath while we visited. It was getting late so Mom and dad took Ellen home with them and put her to bed so Phillip and I could stop by Walmart to pick up a few odds and ends.

Another good day with family!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve

Giving Lily Belle peanut butter

Cousins

Grandma with her great grandchildren



Christmas Day

Santa Caleb

Her favorite gifts - easel and puppy
What a good uncle!
Hot chocolate!
Smoothies!

We are having a great Christmas. We arrived in NC at 3:00 AM on Christmas Eve. After a few hours of sleep and a relaxing morning with my parents, we headed to my Grandma's house for lunch and other festivities. We had a potluck meal that included roast, chicken, Grandma's noodles, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, corn, baked beans, rolls, cranberry salad, pies, friendship bread, truffles and cookies. We ate and talked and then opened presents. We drew names this year and it was fun to see who had who. I had Andrea and Phillip had my Grandma. Mom had my name and Aunt Diane had Phillip. We both got things we asked for: I got 2 books and Williams Sonoma kitchen towels and Phillip got 2 CD's and a video game. Everyone bought presents for the kids and it was fun watching them open their gifts. We left Grandma's in the late afternoon and headed back to mom and dads for pizza.

This morning Andrea, Caleb, Ashling and Cade came over and we opened presents and then had a delicious brunch (egg/sausage/cheese breakfast casserole, hashbrown casserole, bacon, waffles, toast and orange juice). We are very thankful for all of the presents we received. I got a much needed new camera from my parents. I am still trying to figure it out and I can't wait to start using it. I took a few pictures with it today but I was playing with the ISO and they are not very good quality. I am going to take lots of pictures (and maybe read the manual) so I can learn how to use it. I am excited! Ellen had a great time with her cousins Ashling and Cade. She got lots of great presents but she especially likes the Crayola art easel Andrea and Caleb gave her. It has magnetic letters that she loves. We are going to get some chalk and other accessories for it soon. I am thankful to have new toys for her to play with.

After brunch Andrea and I went to visit a family we used to babysit for - the Adlers. They have 3 kids who are now all grown up! It was so nice seeing them. I really wanted to bring Ellen with me but she was taking a much needed nap.

After visiting with the Adlers we picked up the boys and went to see Up in the Air while mom and dad watched the kids. It was a great movie! We enjoyed another meal together - chicken, rice, corn and asparagus - at mom and dad's after the movie. The girls played well together while we were gone and the fun continued throughout the evening. Mom made smoothies after dinner and Andrea and Caleb made homemade hot chocolate. It has been a wonderful Christmas Day.

Tomorrow we head to Charlotte to see Phillip's family. Looking forward to another day of celebration!

Tooth Trouble

One of my back bottom teeth randomly chipped during lunch on Sunday and I had to get a temporary crown this morning. Despite the horrible timing and the $600+ that this is costing us after insurance, we are forging ahead with our plan to drive to Winston-Salem once I get home from work tonight. Phillip took the dogs to the kennel today and has the car packed and ready. I am in some pain but I think my mouth is just extra sensitive. I always hurt for a few days after having a cavity filled so I can only imagine how long it will take me to get over this! I go back to the dentist on the 18th to get the crown. I know it wasn't the burrito I was eating that chipped my tooth but I don't think I will be going to Blue Coast Burrito anytime soon (sorry Phillip). I need some time.

Forever Friends

Our Family Christmas

We celebrated Christmas this morning since we will be in NC for the actual holiday. It has been the best day! I am so glad we opened the dollhouse yesterday. Today was perfect!

We came downstairs around 7:00 to see what Santa brought Ellen. She immediately spotted the kitchen.

It was love at first sight with the kitchen

She was really into the coffee pot

Stocking time

We got the biggest smile over a pair of kid scissors

Opening If You Give a Pig a Party

(wearing the princess jewelry from her stocking)

Snow White shoes

Playing with Thomas the Train

We had eggs, bacon, sausage and biscuits for breakfast

After breakfast we set the train up in the living room (more space)

Reading us her new book

Showing George the pictures