A Year In Review

It’s hard to believe 2010 is over. We’ve had a blessed year, with just a few bumps along the way. But it’s in those trying times that we grow the most, learn who we truly are and lean on each other. I am so thankful for my husband of 10 yrs, and my 3 amazing children. We are surrounded and loved by so many family and friends that we consider family and I am thankful for each and every one of you.

As many of you know, we’ve been without a television for 5+ yrs. Our reasons are many, but one is that we wanted to ‘unplug’ to spend quality time developing the relationships we value most. In the past few yrs, I’ve blogged, facebooked and surfed more than I wished. And as a result, I substituted the internet for the TV. (I will also mention that our internet speeds are abysmal, which means that each post takes over an hour to create.) So, my dear friends, I am going to sign off of the tech world for some time. I’m taking a sabbatical, if you will. In hopes that when I’m not traveling, I’m spending each and every moment I can with the ones I love and cultivating my relationships to the fullest. I’m not sure if my sabbatical will last a month or a year, but I’ll be sure to email you when I return. Thank you for your support, love to you all and best wishes for a wonderful 2011!

Merry Christmas, Part 2

We've been without internet for nearly a week. As if no TV isn't bad enough, we're living in isolation smack in the middle of the Research Triangle. So it's nice to get back online again! Here's the second part of our Christmas celebration.

The zither was a big hit for everyone. Even Grandpa composed his own music for the kids to play.

 The kids couldn't wait to put together the gingerbread house. And spent the next 72 hrs eating all the candy off of it.  

 Since we were pretty much land-locked, we played lots of board games. Cameron's favorite was CandyLane.

 Lucy just wanted to do everything her brother and sister did, but refused to wear clothes. She's definitely a Paul now!

 We had a beauty shop one night. Having 2 girls of his own, Grandpa was no stranger to pony tails and barettes.

 

White Christmas

It's been nearly 35 years since NC has had an actual snow on Christmas Day. This year we got enough snow for a snow family, sledding and skiing- all the typical northern winter activities.

 Mr. Snowman became a snow fort the next day.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

As per tradition, we started Christmas festivities at the early service at church.

Much to the kids delight, church was followed by the MessiPaul present exchange.

 Then, the Big Man himself showed up at the Burke's Christmas party. He delivered a present to each kid and the adults enjoyed eggnog and appetizers.

 Lucy was not nearly as interested in Santa or Santa's lap as were the other two.

 DaddyO enjoyed Santa's company.

 When Christmas morning arrived, Lucy quickly figured out the game plan. As soon as she was done opening one present, she exclaimed "More presents for Lucy!""

 Since Santa delivered bikes for all the kids AND Mommy, it was an amazing day for DaddyO too!

We were so fortunate to have Deane spend the night with us yet again to share in the excitement of Christmas morning. 
The presents quickly consumed the downstairs. And this was only Round 1.

 By far, the biggest hit was Daddy & CamO's remote-controlled helicopter from Grandad and Grandma Holly. It had sufficient pre-trial testing in Texas, so by the time it came to NC, it was airborne in no time!

 

Part 2: Christmas Celebration To Be Continued...

Obligatory Beach Pictures

Since we are, afterall, at the beach. And you are not! Ha ha!

Most people would think it's pretty cool beach combing, looking for shells, etc., ahem, Deane. I, on the other hand, am completely grossed out at the crap the kids pick up claiming they have found the perfect shell...or starfish..or horseshoe crab. Because this is always followed by putting their shellfish-y hands on their face or, God forbid! in my hand. Blech!

So we have our prized beach collection, which the girls made me carry in my jacket pocket and smell like rotting sea life, b/c afterall, they ARE rotting sea life! (FYI, my jacket is in the laundry already, you guys!)

And here they are...TA DA!!!! Beach pictures in December. Where we are. And you are not. :)
I would NOT put this starfish in my pocket b/c it wasn't hard. Have you ever touched a squishy, yet dead starfish? It's sooooo cool. It'll make your stomach turn.

 Lucy is so advanced, she's already writing her sister's name in the sand. That's my baby!

Okay, okay. It was really Jackie writing in the sand. And little CopyCat is just copying her.

 Jackie has grown like 4 inches in the last month.

 Oh yeah, this is the view from our hotel. The one with 5 pools. And that's the beach in the blinding sun.

 Our hotel from the beach. It was beautiful!

Vacation

We've been taking full advantage of our time off and getting a whole lot of nothing done. Dave and I have cought up on our sleep, while Lucy now wakes up at the crack of dawn. Or rather, Jackie wakes her up so she has someone to play with.

The kids have watched more TV than ever.

 And Lucy's table manners have gone to the dogs.

 Vacation is the perfect time to fall asleep at the foot of the table as soon as you've stuffed yourself silly.

 Lucy says she's ready for work. I think she's the only one of us ready to go back to work. Rest up Little Ninja!

Love Thy Neighbor

We got a sweet deal from our neighbor, Karen, to spend a week in Hilton Head. We've been at the pool at least once a day. While Jackie and Cameron spend all their time in the water, Lucy prefers to lounge poolside and soak up the rays.

 It was a little chilly, but swimming in December is always better than work and school.

Our condo is pretty amazing too. And it's all b/c of our dear friend, Karen. Thanks Karen!

There's a little tiger in all of us

Serpil worked her magic yet again this week.

 The kids all had a great time showing off their teeth, or lack-there-of.

 Lucy is more interested in ballerina's & dress-up these days than showing off the fire in her belly.

What's the opposite of yarmulke?

A car track on your head.

 Seriously, I have no idea what's going on here.

All I want for Christmas

...is my one...

 ...two front teeth. My two front teeth...