The week of sweets!

We are all on a sugar high from this week! First, Nancy had a cooking final and had to bring in homemade cupcakes. Then, Noah had a party at school and brought a huge cookie cake. Then, we topped it off with an amazing Toy Story cake for Noah! And that diet? Yeah, that starts next week for sure!

 Nancy was a hit in her class cooking final! These cupcakes were delicious!

 Noah and all his classmates enjoyed this huge cookie cake.

And the grand finale! The cake Nancy spent hours decorating, while I only spent about an hour baking. She is so talented!

Happy 4th Birthday Noah!

Happy Birthday Noah! I can't believe it was four years ago today that this little boy came into our lives and changed us forever. He brings so much joy and laughter to our family; it's like we have a mini Tim entertaining everyone who walks through the door! Now, he is running around with boundless energy, making new friends each and every day and loving every second of preschool. Little did I know I'd yearn for the time I used to be able to rock him to sleep and soothe him with the warmth of my chest. But now, I get to laugh with him as he gives me goofy faces. I get to chase him at the park as he is laughing uncontrollably. We are so incredibly thankful for our little Bubba. I only wish this coming year brings even more laughs and moments of joy. We love you little guy!

 He still loves his Cars, but lately he has also become a Toy Story fan.

 Here is the beautiful cake Nancy decorated! She is such a talent and made dedicated so much time to making this look perfect!

 The kiddos with Nancy.

Happy Birthday Noah!

Trip to Daddy's Work

With two weeks off, I find myself desperate for activities after, I'd say, oh the first day. Luckily, Tim is nice enough to let us come by and visit from time to time! We went by his work and enjoyed lunch with him while the kiddies had fun riding around in the gator.

Lights, Lights, and More Lights!

 A few days ago we enjoyed a nice stroll with friends to enjoy the Christmas lights on a popular street in our town. Noah is hidden in this picture (he's next to Sophie), but he hung out with the big kids without a problem! He loved it! The lights were beautiful and the company was even better. Such a fun time!

Sophie with two of her close buddies!

Christmas 2010

 We had a wonderful Christmas this year and once again, we were blessed with loved ones and more than enough to share with each other. We had a full house this year with the new additions to our family, so it was extra special! Above is a picture of the kids with Auntie Michelle before we attended church.

 Mama and Papa with the kids!

 Sophie and Noah hugging it out

 The kids with Donna, Nancy, and Vanessa. We were very lucky to be able to have Vanessa over for the holiday (she is the girls' youngest sister but lives elsewhere).

 Nancy opening one of her gifts on Christmas morning!

 Vanessa helping Sophie with her new Hello Kitty Text Messenger game!

 Nancy trying out one of Sophie's presents....Dance Dance Revolution!

 Noah taking a quick break between playing with his toys!

 Auntie Jen getting a quick lesson on how to cook pancit!

 The pups are tired out!

Auntie Lourdes and my mom catching up and also supervising all the cooking from afar!

Christmas in the City

I always look forward to visiting the city during the holiday season. Even though it is crazy full of people and requires a lot of planning, patience, and energy, I absolutely love it and always leave feeling ready to enjoy all the special joys of Christmas. This year was no exception, except we changed it up a little and visited the city during the day instead of at night. Of course, we missed the beautiful lights but in exchange we were able to soak up the sun and enjoy the sights on a warm December day! Here are a few pictures from our day.

 Tim and the kids in front of the big tree in Union Square.

It was the first time in days the sun came out, so it made the trip even better!

Cookie Time!

We spent the last couple of days baking Christmas cookies and we are stuffed! I'm not quite sure if we were able to bake as quickly as we ate them, but thankfully we did have enough to share with our neighbors and hopefully will have plenty when family arrives later this week! Sophie was an awesome helper while Noah was an awesome eater. He didn't care too much to help out, but he certainly did his part in consuming cookies!

 Sophie putting her finishing touches on her snowman.

 Nancy, the perfectionist, creating a piece of art with each cookie.

And Noah, aka Cookie Monster!

Noah's Christmas Program!

We attended Noah's first Christmas program and he was so adorable (so were the rest of the kids ;-))! They sang several songs and we had a quick party afterward in the pre-school classroom! Such a fun day and was so proud of our little Noah! Great job, buddy!

 Entering the church!

 Noah and his buddy not quite sure if they are going to participate.

 Warmed up and singing nice and loud! Noah may look like he's doing his own thing, but he's actually doing what he's supposed to be doing!

 The whole class performing!

Noah and his handsome self walking back to class and ready to get his party on! Great job, Noah! We are so proud of you!

Christmas Picture

Merry Christmas everyone! Of the 50 shots I took, I think maybe 2 of them turned out decent. Thankfully, Nancy and Donna are troopers and incredibly photogenic!

Our Beloved Granny

Tim's beautiful maternal grandmother, Garnett Giangicomo, passed away early this morning in Ohio. Tim was blessed to be able to fly home a few weeks ago and spend time with her before she became too weak. He is thankful for that time and for the many years he has had to enjoy with her. One of my fondest memories of Granny was during our wedding. We were so excited she was able to fly out and I loved seeing the true joy in her eyes. Every time I look back at pictures from that event, the one with her sitting on top of the convertible as she waved to onlookers like she was just crowned Miss America will forever bring a smile to my face. Granny, you will be missed.

Right before her death, Lori found a poem that she dedicated to her three daughters. The love she had for her family and the love she had for her girls is evident. We love you, Granny.

Girls

I see you in the sun and stars

I hear you in the wind and rain

I feel your arms around me

To comfort all my pain

I know you're always with me

You're in my heart and soul

You gave me precious memories

And I'll never let them go

As time goes by without you

AS days turn into years

they hold a million memories

And a thousand silent tears

May the winds of love blow softly

And whisper so you'll hear

How much I love and miss you

And wish that I was there