Merry Christmas 2009

We had such a great Christmas this year! Addison is now old enough to really get into everything and it was so fun. She was so animated with each gift and just in general. We of course had a somewhat unconventional Christmas. We went to Jamey's parent's house Tuesday night and had a wonderful dinner and exchanged gifts there. Jamey had to work Wednesday and Thursday nights so Addison and I decided to go ahead and go down to Monroeville and spend a little time with our family there. We were really sad that daddy wouldn't be with us but were very excited to be able to spend time with our other loved ones. We ate and exchanged gifts several times and tried to squeeze in as much time with everyone as possible. I was so proud of Addy for being such a good girl the whole trip. Luckily we had a few people and gifts to keep her occupied for a while! Friday morning Addison and I left to come home to see daddy. We were SO ready to get home and see him. Santa came to our house Friday night and Addy woke up to a huge surprise this morning. Nina and Poppy came over to see what Santa brought her and we had a wonderful breakfast. It was a great memory for our 1st Christmas in our new home! Santa brought Addison a pink car for Christmas this year. He had to leave her a note to explain where to find it. He left a rope that went down the stairs, through the basement and led to her car. She was so funny when she finally realized what exactly was going on!!! The rest of the day we played, played, played and played. I am so glad we all are so blessed and had a wonderful week!!!

PICTURES:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=184578&id=503090349&l=b1943c3f8f

Christmas pictures!

A few pictures we took for Christmas this year!

Christmas fun begins!

Of course decorating for Christmas is a fun part of the festivities, but my favorite part is spending time with great friends and family! Last night Addy and I went to a "girls night out ornament swap" at Mandy and Lucy's house. We met a lot of new friends and had a blast! Mandy and Lucy are 2 of the sweetest girls we know and I was so glad we were able to spend time with them. Today Addy and I went shopping and we now have everyone taken care of except .... ADDISON! Althought, she did get her "blue bear" today. It's the only thing she consistently talks about. She saw me with it and had a fit so I told her Santa gave it to me to give to her. Oh well! Lol I'm hoping to get her finished up tomorrow. I know shopping is supposed to be fun, but it stresses me out!! I just wish I could give someone money and get them to buy everything for me! lol. I'm looking forward to working 2 days this week and celebrating Christmas with my family! I hope to get to see some friends over the week as well.


Addison's ornament from mommy and daddy
Love you Addyboo! Kallie, Addison and Lucy!
These girls had a BLAST playing all night!
Opening the gifts! Caleb was the only boy!

I CAN'T BELIEVE WE FORGOT TO GET A "MOM" PICTURE! :(






My super cute ornament that I won fair and square! ha ha (dirty santa)

A lot of info ... a little time!

Ok, So I'm such a blogging slacker these days!! We have done so much and I have so much to share but I just can't make time to sit and type and upload! Sissy *ashlee* came to visit last weekend and that was OH SO FUN!! We had a total girls weekend even though daddy was there, he was a good sport. We took lots of pictures, went shopping, sang songs (mostly rap ha ha) and even made a commercial! Here is a glance into one of the best weekends we've had in a while!

I can't believe Christmas is in 1 week! Another thing that I've been such a slacker about is shopping!! I honestly have bought 2 gifts.. oh my. I really have to hit the roads running this weekend. We did go looking last night to get an idea of the things we wanted to get for Addison and we bought a cute little ornament for our tree for Addy. Here she is proudly displaying her "first ORMANENT" lol. How cute is she????? GAH!!!

Firsts!

This past Saturday Addison had her 1st real hair cut! I say "real" because we have cut it a little at home but this time Addy went with me to Maria's and she cut it for us! I went 1st and by the time that it was Addison's turn she was ready to get it done. She sat there like such a big girl and was so sweet. Afterwards she told everyone "Ms. Maria did snip, snip, snip" and messed her hair up. It was too funny.

I was so thankful that we did end up getting to go because I definitely needed a hair makeover! haha... Maria always does such a great job, I'm so glad Mrs. Judy introduced me to her!

I thought for a while that we weren't going to get to go because.... it SNOWED! So, along with her 1st haircut, Addison got to experience her 1st snow in our new house! It didn't stick long and the funny thing is that our house probably got the least amount of snow in the whole neighborhood! She was mesmerized by everything going on.

Addy has been full of life surprising us every day, as usual. Last night we were sitting on the couch, reading a Dora book and she started saying "uno, dos, tres," Jamey and I looked at each other like "WHAT?" So, apparently Dora has really paid off.. she counted to 5 in Spanish and we had no idea she could! She has been a REAL daddy's girl lately. I think it's so cute. But I guess along with being a daddy's girl comes being "not a mommy's girl" :( Another night this week she was sitting on the couch and said "DADDY!! Come here and sit here" Pointing beside her on the couch. He went in there and sat beside her and I followed. I started to sit down and she said "NO MOMMY... (Pointed to the kitchen and said) YOU GO COOK!" O-M-G! It was sad but so funny.

We are SO excited about Christmas and are counting down the days. Addy finally told us what she wants Santa to bring her, besides a blue bear...... a red car and a computer!!! OK She's 2! She told me that I could drive her "Grey car" and she gets a red car like daddy's. Everytime I refer to the Maxima as "my car" she is very quick to correct me and say "No mommy, you not have a car, this is my car" Boy oh boy... the good times ahead

She's just so darn cute.....

Addy and mommy!

Our Christmas card 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jamey's working tonight so Addy just stayed with Jamey's parents. We had a really nice day! Addy and I got up early and Jamey was able to spend a little time with us before going to sleep from working all night. We had a really nice dinner and then I came home. I'm so glad it's Jamey's weekend off. Looking forward to a great weekend!

eating crunch and munch

photo by addison:
cousins at Thanksgiving dinner

Andrew, Nathan, Luke, Addison, Ben and Sarah kate in the front

Oh Christmas Tree!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there....

This Christmas is SUPER exciting for us at the Hopkins' residence!! This is our very 1st family Christmas in our very own home!!! We started decorating a little early because we couldn't wait! We have put snowflakes in just about every place that we can! I know Jamey is so excited that it's getting colder outside so he can see real snowflakes... me not so much!

Addison and Daddy putting the angel on our "Christmas Treat"
PERFECT!


LOVE IT! Not bad for our 1st time! :) Addison says "look at our christmas treat, but dont touch!!" HAHA I think she's still stuck on halloween (trick or treat) If only santa could just bring candy, right? :)


Speaking of Santa, Addy is still a little unsure of what the whole "Santa" thing really means. She has found out that santa brings toys.. so we're in for it! I keep asking her "What do you want Santa to bring you? She says "toys!!" I say, "what kind of toys?" She says "A blue bear!" umm. ok, a blue bear? Done. I'm thinking it's because she ran across a "Pink bear" (that she ever so cleverly named, Pink Bear) and that's her new #2 BFF -2nd to Tyrone of course. So, this year should be really interesting when it's time for presents!

Well, we used the potty at school this week!! YAY! See below- her prize! (M&M's) I arrived to pick her up one day and she started crying b/c she thought she wasn't going to get her prize from Ms. Amanda (Tootsie Roll) Little did she know mommy had another prize at home!

She also went #2 in the potty at home this week!! Double YAY! I'm hoping very soon we will not ever have to buy diapers again!

I had to get a snapshot of this. Addison always has to go show daddy her outfits in the mornings that he's still sleeping from working! Of course... she always gives him a sweet bye bye kiss~

Cutie Pie!

My little DIVA! She had to have rollers in her hair too!

Addy and mommy loving the fall view from our freshly stained deck! Good Job daddy!!!

OOOOK! The story of the week: This is our new baby "sarah kate". Yes, the same name as her new cousin. I thought that this may be a little weird.. but then I remember that she's only 2 and since Andrew, Luke, Ben and Nathan have a new Sarah Kate..why can't she? She loves her new (not exactly new...but brought out from the toy box) baby. She has this hilarious voice when she makes her babies "talk". In the picture below she was making Sarah Kate say CHHEEESE!!!

Please watch this video more than once so you will get the full effect. I laughed forever at this! I love this child so much!!!

I love you through and through...

I usually post picture blogs… but tonight I just wanted to write a little bit. Addison wanted me to read a book to her for the 1st time in a while. It was “I Love You Through and Through”, a cute little book that I kind of forgot she had. It was so fun because she acted out the book as we went along and she couldn’t stop giggling. It was the cutest thing ever. I’m definitely thinking of making this book part of our nightly ritual.

I haven't updated in a while and I feel like there's so much to say but of course when I actually sit down to type, my mind goes blank. I wish that I could write down all of the hilarious things that my child says, everyday she comes up with something new to make me laugh. The fact that she talks ALLLLL the time also helps! :) To say that Addison Reese is a "mini-me" is to say the least. I really have to be conscious of what I say and do in front of her. I try to always speak to her in a mild voice..even when I am upset because I've noticed that she even replicates tone! Amazing.

One morning on the way to school she said "mommy, I wanna look" and I was a little confused of what she wanted. I looked back and she was putting on her lip gloss and wanted to see my mirror... So, I gave her my mirror and here's how that played out..

Speaking of school... Addison really really loves her school. She knows everyone there! It's so funny when we get there and when we leave she tells everyone hey and bye and she knows who's parents are who! One day she told me that "Mrs. Chantel *teacher* was going to the dr to see if her baby was a girl or boy" I was surprised that she would say that but I kind of forgot about it b/c I thought she was just talking. Sure enough the next day they told me Mrs. Chantel found out the day before she was having a girl!! WHAT? so funny. She seems to have a lot of friends at school. Her favorite girl friend is "danielle-y" and her favorite boy friend is "Stephen". Stephen has already pushed another little boy down b/c that little boy pushed Addison!! UH OH!!!!!

Tonight, we were talking and I asked her how old mommy was.. I expected to get her usual "coached" answer.. OLD!! *Thanks daddy!:)* but instead she said "22" I said "22!" Ok, I'll take that! Then she said, "no, mommy's 25 no 28! HA HA... Ok, I didn't even know she knew those numbers. Addison and I have a lot of quality girl time so we have the best conversations.. sometimes I have to remind myself..she's 2! LOL. She loves talking to daddy too. She is definitely daddy's girl and I feel like she's going to give him a run for his money one day soon. We are so so proud of the super smart, super sweet little girl that we have!!!

part of our morning routine! :)

dancing stars!

It has taken forever for me to write this because every 5 minutes I've heard "mommy!!!!" coming from Addison's bedroom. I've gone in twice now because she usually doesn't call my name unless she really needs something. The 1st time it was "I have a hair in my mouth" Um..ok so we turned on lights and looked and found nothing.. The 2nd time it was "I'm wet" ok so I changed her..again.. this time I came to senses and realized I was being duped! I mean really...Stalling starts this early!?!?! Grrreat...

****MORE RANDOMNESS****

Determined to get that buckled!

Helping daddy stain the deck!

Daddy's girl

Just Buzzin' along

Our little busy bumble bee was back and ready for action this weekend! Trick or Treating was so much fun this year!! Addison was SO excited! We went over to MacDonald Farm to let her trick or treat there and see the boys....and of course Miss Sarah Kate! That was another thing she was super excited about. She has been talking about Sarah Kate for weeks now. She wanted to hold her at 1st but then when she was given the opportunity she quickly changed her mind! Addy was very sweet to her though. Back to trick or treating... I had to record this just once for everyone to see. Before I started recording she was skipping and squealing with excitement! This is how she was for every house... full of joy!

Spiderman AKA: Luke Bumble Bee AKA: Addison

Addy with the candy bucket!

After trick or treating for a while, Addy decided to "man the candy bucket" at her cousin's house. Every time the doorbell rang she was one of the 1st ones to the door. All of the kids were so funny and excited to help. We ate dinner there and after tons and tons of candy, we went home and crashed! Sunday Addy and I got up and ran last minute errands to get ready for Amy and Laney's baby shower. A great group of girls came to our house and we had a lovely baby shower for Amy. I think it was a great turn out. I can't wait for little Laney to get here!!!

Addy and Amy at the baby shower. (addy refused to look at me lol)

some of the gifts for baby Laney!

Addison with her new friends Chloe and Kiley

These are a couple of outfits that Miss Amy gave Addison! She really liked them all! haha

Homecoming, parade and parties ...oh my!!

Busy Busy Busy!!! This weekend was full to say the least! Addy and I packed up for another road trip and set out for Monroeville Friday after I left work. It took us 4 hours to get home and when we got there I had a migraine headache. I haven't had one in so long and now I remember just how awful they are. Thank goodness Ashlee is so great with Addy. She took over immediately and let me try to sleep that off. SO, I feel like the weekend really started when we woke up Saturday morning. I felt much better and was ready to get going, we had soooo much to do! Saturday was Excel High School's homecoming. Our beautiful little sister Rhiannon was 12th grade maid! We went to watch her ride in the parade later that afternoon. Addy had a lot of fun and we got to meet sweet Karson (My friend Chastity's little boy) for the 1st time. Addison and Kiley watched the parade together and had fun! It was good seeing Chastity again too! After the parade, we changed Addy into her Bumble Bee costume (in the car) and headed to Mia's birthday party... late! Mia's party was so much fun! Addy always loves playing with Mia when we are in town. After leaving Mia's party we rushed home to get ready to go to the football game and watch Rhiannon on the field. She looked great and we were so proud of her!! The game was so packed and Addy actually fell asleep, so we didn't stay long. We did get to see my sweet friend Temeshia and her little girl Kaitlin. Who is growing up so fast it makes me sad! :( We finally made it back home and crashed! What a day!!!!! Sunday Addy and I got up and left for home. We were supposed to go to Lucy's birthday party but we didn't really make it in time. We got there really late but it was still so great to see them. Addy and Lucy haven't seen each other in such a long time and they were both so excited! We had a really great weekend visiting everyone!!! I'm really sad that I didn't get more pictures.... that's how busy we were!!!! (I'll add more if I come across any!)

Addison playing at Mia's party!

Addison and Kiley at Excel's Homecoming Parade (little mini-me's!!)


Chastity, Karson, Addison and me at the parade

Rhiannon - 12th grade Homecoming maid

Addy digging in my purse before going to the football game!

Sitting on the counter at Grandaddy's house. I wonder how many times I sat there when I was small?

Mommy and Addy!

Addison and Lucy- so excited to see each other!