Kumquats and such

On Saturday evening, we had a small gathering at our home to celebrate Christmas with some of the Marines from 1/9.  Earlier in the week, Alexis volunteered to come over a bit early to help with any last minute setup and with Reagan.  B.R. (before Reagan), I would have said, "Nah, I've got everything under control.  Thanks for the offer though."  P.R. it's a totally different story.  I immediately took her up on the offer and as soon as they arrived, we had them do a million different things.  They were also kind enough to bring a delicious appetizer from home!   Best of all, they were so helpful with Reagan.  Both Rollin and Alexis took turns playing with her while Jason and I entertained the guests and cleaned up after the party.  We have such wonderful friends.  Thanks Rollin & Alexis! We owe you one:)

Early Saturday afternoon, Jason and I heard sirens and a loud speaker blaring throughout the neighborhood.  Just as Jason was about to call 911 and report our redneck neighbors that live behind us, he heard me shouting, "HEY!  BRING REAGAN! GET THE CAMERA!  SANTA IS HERE!!!"  As any good father would do, he picked up the baby, put her hat on (it was cold & rainy), and handed her over to Santa from our local volunteer fire station.  And as any good Asian would do, I stood back and snapped pictures.  Luckily, she's at that age where we can hand her off to anyone and she doesn't seem to mind a bit!

Since we have officially become our own little family (yeah, we were married last year, but I think the baby makes it an official family), I decided that we should get some new stockings.  I ordered these from Lands End and it seems that almost everyone who has been in our house and seen then either has the same ones or knows someone who has them.  They were very reasonably priced and I like that they are similar but not identical.  I considered getting Tommy one, but since he's on the "naughty list" after eating the footboard of the bed in the guest room and a bag of Reese's peanut butter cups, I decided he wasn't worth the $19.00.  Maybe next year Tommy, maybe.   I'm sure when Reagan reaches her teen years she's going to be upset that her stocking is a childish teddy bear, but for the now she's pretty content with the pretty colors.  

B.R. (before Reagan), I didn't know the convenience of automatic doors.  In fact, I kind of thought they were for lazy people, you know like the escalator that runs alongside the stairs at the airport.  But now P.R. (post Reagan), I fully understand why some genius invented automatic doors.  It was for people with giant-impossible-to-maneuver strollers and a handful of bags. See, not everyone is always this nice: Even at the holidays, it seems like I'm trying to work my way to the front of the stroller, open the door, and pull the contraption through while arching over it with my long arms.  I have no idea how short people do it:)  Thus, my ode to automatic doors... Now I know I raved about the Furminator awhile back, but this modern-day convenience is top in my book too!  Particularly P.R. and definitely in preparation for when I'm running around with another one.  (no this is not a subtle way of telling anyone I'm expecting again...that's a lo...

 Last weekend we took a trip to Raleigh to see Colleen & Keith, Ben & Jackie, Macy & Fisher, Tom & Jill, Lynsey, Betty & Mason, and Jessica (who was in town after a conference in Quantico).  The boys stayed outside most of the time - despite the rain - and made quite possibly the hottest fire ever.  The girls and the babies stayed inside and enjoyed a nice fire and the beautifully decorated Belward house! We indulged in ribs, sausages, collard greens, beans, and more...plus a few beers:)  It was a wonderful trip and it doesn't seem like the 4 of us (Colleen, Lynsey, Jessica and I) get together nearly enough.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend: Ben - post weekend shenanigans:) Jessica bonding with her niece Colleen loved playing with Reagan (and changed all of her diapers!) Jessica & Lynsey Colleen with her godson Mason Playing with the babies The Fabulous 4 - one of many attempts to get a decent picture Keith and Reagan ...

On Wednesday, Betty, Lynsey, and Mason came to Jacksonville on their way to Oak Island to visit.  It was wonderful to see them all, especially Mason!  He's really grown compared to our last visit with them.  Wednesday evening, Maureen and Sean came by for pizza and a baby party:)  And even though the babies didn't really seem to care that they were all together, we were having a blast taking pictures of them!  Sean and Mason are only 1 day apart and Reagan is just over a month older (and several pounds bigger) than the boys.  She could hardly keep her hands off them.  Betty and Lynsey brought Reagan so many gifts, to include that green personalized bib that she's wearing in one of the pictures.  We were so glad to spend time with them!

So for Christmas this year, I sent out cards with wallet size pictures of Reagan.  I dressed her up and took a series of pictures.  As anyone who has photographed babies knows, you have to take a lot of pictures in order to get just a few really good ones.  Here are the ones I chose to send out: Here are the outtakes: I had so much fun doing this!  The spit-up picture might be my favorite outtake.  I'm just happy that she didn't face plant and land in it:)

Jason's done it again.  After participating in a Jingle Bell Fun Run (5k) on Sunday afternoon, he cooked a garlic-thyme sirloin roast with horseradish cream sauce, spinach salad with carrots, orange, and sesame, and asparagus wrapped with prosciutto! In the morning, he looked up a recipe for herb-crusted beef tenderloin.  Unfortunately, we live in Jacksonville, NC where finding such a cut of meat proved impossible.  In fact, when Jason questioned the butcher at our local Food Lion, he was told that they don't carry the tenderloin for two reasons: 1) it's typically too expensive for the clientele, and 2) because it it so expensive, when they did carry it, people STOLE it.  Yes, can't get much more redneck than stealing a large hunk of meat from the grocery store.  This ridiculousness resulted in Jason creating a totally different menu which resulted in an absolutely delicious meal. Who wants to come over for dinner next Sunday?!

On Sunday, 5 December, Jason, Reagan, Tommy and I participated in a local 5k with our friends Maureen and her son Sean, and Kristin and Eric Jones.  It was a gorgeous day, but it was crazy windy and freezing.  Here are a few pics from the event.   Santa's Little Helpers Santa butts! Jason & Tommy Maureen was trying to feed Sean on the move:) My good little running partner Eric & Jason freezing after the 5k My friend Kristin who's due on January 1st!

The majority of this week has been spent in the kitchen.  Years ago, I would never have imagined that I'd   find myself wanting to hang out in the kitchen.  Boy how things have changed:)  I made more pumpkin chocolate chip cookies , marbled chocolate cookie bark , chocolate cupcakes with chocolate peppermint ganache and peppermint frosting ,  dark chocolate brownies , and pear butter !!  Luckily most of that immediately left the kitchen for delivery to friends and neighbors. The marbled chocolate cookie bark  was a recipe I got from Cindi (MIL).  She brought down a batch for Thanksgiving, and I found myself making excuses to go into the kitchen just to sneak a piece (or three).  I don't have pictures, but here's the recipe.  It's simple and delicious. 8 squares of Baker's Semi-sweet chocolate 6 squares of Baker's White chocolate 2 Tbsp. peanut butter 10 oreos, coarsely chopped into a crumble Line a large baking sheet with waxed pap...

Living Life Life is not a race - but indeed a journey.  Be honest.  Work hard.  Be choosy.  Say "thank you", "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day.  Go to church, take time for prayer.  The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.  Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.  Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can.  Dreaming does matter.  It allows you to become that which you aspire to be.  Laugh often.  Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.  Some of the best things really are free.  Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.  Forgive, it frees the soul.  Take time for yourself - plan for longevity.  Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.  Live for today, enjoy the moment.   ~ Bonnie Mohr During the holiday season, it's easy to get wrapped up (pun intended) in the he...

The Bob jogging stroller that is... Jason's Aunts (Sheri, Lori, and Steph) gave us this jogging stroller before Reagan was born, and I've been waiting ever since to use it!  Today was our test run.  We went to the local bike shop to get the tires filled and make sure everything was good to go on it.  As soon as we got home, I transferred missy to the jogger and off we went.  It rolls smoothly, makes running only slightly more difficult (since I can't swing my arms), and gives me the freedom to run outside again without placing the monitor on the mailbox and running laps in my cul-de-sac!  Luckily it was in the mid-60s today, so temperature wise, we were golden.  Unfortunately, it was seriously windy, which resulted in only one lap of the neighborhood today.  And that's quite alright with me...a start is a start, right?!  Keeping my fingers crossed that the rain holds off again and we can meet Alexis tomorrow for another try:)