It's New Year's Eve! Oh boy, the new year! I can't believe 2007 is almost gone! Do you remember where we were at this time last year? It was one year ago, November 30, that McKinley had his heart surgery. Can you believe what a difference a year makes? McKinley is now 18 months old, running around and throwing anything he can get his hands on. His favorite word is either "Momma" or "No". And boy does he know how to use that word! "Kin, go pick up that toy you threw." "NO!"
He's got a gorgeous little smile, don't let him try it on you or you will then be mesmerized. He's a gorgeous little boy with a terrific attitude. He loves to climb and close doors. Doesn't matter where he is, its all about the door. Did I tell you about Em's new thing? In every bathroom we go into we have to check the acoustics. More to come on this... but just remember this little tidbit, ok?

I finally got my Christmas shopping done at the 11th hour. The only people I had left to do was Brian and the kids. And the only person I got done was Brian. I couldn't get Emma's gift as the she was with me the whole time and Brian wanted to get something just for McKinley. So, Christmas Eve he went out with his father to get a big gift for the kids. I hope to finish much earlier next year but we'll see!

Em was really into Christmas this year and getting prepared this year was so much fun. My friend Patty gave us a fabric Advent Calendar that we used to count down until Christmas day and 2 Santa cookie platters. Every day Em and I or daddy helped her to place Santa in the correct spot. It could be quite a discussion as she was more interested in placing Santa in a spot where the Angel was instead of the next day. But again, we will get to tease her when she's old enough on the little things she liked to do.
Christmas morning was wonderful, we relaxed a little bit, but couldn't play with any toys because we had to race off. Emma's fave gift this year was Mickey Mouse Club House - I usually take her shopping with me and of course she never fails to disappoint me and tells me exactly what she wants. McKinley's fave gift I think was all the people paying attention to him. He loves to do just what his sister does (run) and a bonus was Cooper! Cooper is 2 months younger than McKinley and was Kin's favorite game. He'd walk up and hug and kiss Cooper like no one's business - of course, he'd also turn around and bop him on the head in the next minute!

We survived Christmas and I'm glad to say that the house is only a little more weighed down by toys. Em got a fantastic laptop computer by Vtech and has been playing with it since Christmas Eve. She just loves being a big girl and doing work on her computer. She's "just like Mommy". It's the best educational "toy" with mazes and matching, she's even learning her left and right and trying to learn spatial differences. She is one kid that it itching to learn and can hardly wait to go to school. I almost wish we had sent her to pre-school this past fall, but she'll be ready when fall comes around.
I woke up feeling kinda icky this morning, but it got worse and I decided to stay home from work today. Em and Kin went downstairs with Daddy to play and make mayhem. A couple of hours later Em decided that she had to make me feel better. I had just woken up and was feeling kind of groggy. Em proceeded to tell me that she was going to bring something up to me that would make me feel better. (the first thought in my head, was "oh boy", what would I have to eat?!" She made it all herself - good lord it could be anything! Good thing she knows the difference between fake food and real food, but her flavor concoctions could be deadly! Two minutes later what does she come back upstairs with? Mind you, she is very excited and thrilled to be able to make her mommy feel better... Are you twinging yet?


She brings me....


Chocolate cookies she made!

All I could think was "Oh, thank goodness!"

Well, I'm getting tired just looking at these kids run around and really want to lay down again.
Have a wonderful New Year. I hope the New Year gives you many blessings, good fortune and good health.