Another Visit...

Kaitlin & Aunt Kelly...

Nolan on the phone with Mama C while sitting in between me and Justin at the restaurant....



Kaitlin looked so precious in her outfit that I got her for Christmas and believe it or not....it was too big for her, yeah!!!

It was a nice dinner and visit and always good to see the niece and nephews as always....and I guess their parents too. ;o)

I know that next time I better have Murphy with me or Nolan won't let me get too close.....

4th Part of our 1st Christmas...

Aunt Karla had us pose and take MANY photos, and we just knew there would end up with some silly photos, but I didn't realize that my Favorite picture of me and my Husband would be the one here to the right with him flipping off the camera! My dad should've never taught him that magic trick!!I was wondering what Megan was laughing so hard at over on the other side of the camera, now I know!

Aunt Karla & Uncle Roy hosted the "Giannotti Christmas Party" at their new house in Ottawa, IL this past Saturday. They were kind enough to invite Justin and I to their Family Christmas and it was so great to see alot of my Cousins and 2nd cousins! It was also a treat to see how Aunt Karla has decorated their house, and it is sooooo pretty, as I had no doubt it!!!

I think Justin probably would've preferred if we all had name tags on, but all in all, I think he handled it very well!

My Cousin Gina and Her Husband Greg celebrated their 30 year Anniversary on Sunday! Wow! I remember when I was young and they were dating! That was was before Ryan, Megan and Jeremy were a twinkle in their eyes.

My 2nd Cousin, Jeremy and his Fiance', Amanda...they are engaged to be married in September 2009. I did make sure with Jeremy that Amanda does like to fish, as I am sure that is all that my Dad would request prior to them coming down to the Lake....and yes, she does... ;o)

We wish them all the Happiness in the World as they definitely deserve it!(and let's not forget Jeremy IS our Movie Star now)

My 2nd Cousin Megan looked so pretty (and she sure let us all know it as well!) she also brought her boyfriend, Aaron with her to the Party.

We all tried to keep up with Megan's cuteness, but it was quite difficult. ;o)

My 2nd Cousin, Ryan with his wife, Sandy and daughter, Kelly Ann (named after me) - this is the first time we have actually met! It was very confusing when anyone would say "Kelly" we would both turn around or try to answer, so we had to have them call us be Kelly Jo or Kelly Ann to help us out! I'm soooo happy that I finally got to meet her after all she is already 10 years old!! She is just adorable and I hear that she is super smart, so I told her, that comes with the name! lol...

My Cousin Joe, with his son Parker, daugher Danielle and youngest son, Nick. His other son, Tyler was not at the Christmas party, he went to Peoria with a friend whose Father is in the Hospital.

My Cousin Tony, wife Cassie, and their kids, Rachel and Josh along with Rachel's boyfriend, Paul. As you can tell, Tony is not one for smiling in pictures, but hey, at least he moved over to the chair and posed for the picture!

My Cousins, Steve & Rob and Rob's wife Dawn, with his daughters, Hannah & Jenna came over to visit with us today. Hannah had her American Girl Doll and Jenna had her Teddy Bear. I

don't think Rob or Steve brought their toys... lol

Steve was without his young-ins for his visit

and we didn't want him to have to take his family picture all by his lonesome, so he was lucky enough to get a picture with his favorite Cousin, me. ;o)

It was nice having a short & sweet visit with "Robbie and Stevie" and although Uncle Bob didn't show up for his visit, I know that if he could've been there, he would.

We really enjoyed the Giannoti Christmas Party and would also like to Thank Aunt Karla and Uncle Roy for opening their house to us and allowing us to stay there during their Family gathering. It sure was nice to see everyone in one place and after not seeing alot of the kids in many many years it was a great sort of reunion for me!

3rd Part of our 1st Christmas...

Today we went over to my Brother Kevin's house so that they could meet "Uncle Justin" and Justin could pass the "Brother Test" (ha) AND we could give out Christmas Presents.... FUN!!!

It's so great to be able to see the kiddos again within just a month of seeing them at Thanksgiving, but I didn't bring Murphy this time so I think they were a little sad....but hey, at least I did come bearing gifts with me....

We had fun shopping for Kaitlin, however she just turned 2 in October and wears a 5T so that was a bit challenging. Ended up at Baby Gap and got the cutest Pink Chouldelroy (sp?) pants/shirt with brown fur vest outfit and then found this pink hat with brown hearts on it! Absolutely Adorable!! Kaitlin put the hat right on! Awwwwww!!!

Kaitlin also got her "Chicago Bears" colors tutu & hair bow - she looked absolutely precious!! She didn't put on her white tights and bodysuit for us, she had just woken up from nap - we were lucky we got this much out of her. ;o) Also, please know she is using her fingers to help herself smile, she is not picking her nose, this is apparently her new thing....too cute...

Below is the information for these items if interested in more:

Tutu: http://customdesignsbymimi.com/

Bow: http://bowsforaddy.blogspot.com/

Nolan was not feeling very good, but well enough to open his present from us! We got both him and Brayden Dallas Cowboys Jerseys!!

Nolan (8) got the Romo Jersey & Brayden (6) got the Witten Jersey. Nolan was just to sick to try his on, heck if he was to sick to eat chocolate, you know he is too sick for clothing! However, Brayden put his right on! Atta'boy!!

Mama "C" sent the "Cassidy Kids" a new DVD Movie for Christmas and each one of them a bag of popcorn. They LOVE to watch new movies & I'm sure they will be oh so ready to watch it again (and again and again) with Mama C just as soon as they can!!! xoxoxoxo

We got Julie a Chicago Bears blanket for Camping and ball games -

I think she was a little caught off guard that it was for her team and NOT the Dallas Cowboys!

Just wait, soon she will be getting the Atlanta Falcons. ha!

We decided that Kevin actually was on Santa's "Good" list this year and deserved to get something nice this year. So, my parents and me and Justin went in together and got him a nice mirror for his house.

I liked it so much that it almost didn't arrive to him, but it did. The frame of the mirror is surrounded with Crosses and it has such a rustic look that it goes great with his decor of his house.

We had a very nice visit over there, and I know that the kiddos sure did miss Murphy not being there and I'm sure that I can speak on Murphy's behalf and that he wishes he could've been there too!!

2nd Part of our 1st Christmas...

The Harris Christmas Tree...

What a beautiful tree & believe it or not, they actually held back this year on presents, usually you can't even see any of the floor!!

Both Justin and I received Illinois Sweatshirts to remind us of our 1st Christmas together - Justin stated that he could honestly say that he never thought that he would wear a "Fighting Illini" Sweatshirt! lol



Uncle Jack and Aunt Sue had us to their house this year for Christmas and it was very entertaining! Uncle Jack played "elf" as he handed out all the gifts to everyone!

My Cousin Stacy and her Husband Buzz, don't they make a Cute Couple?

Even if Buzz is wearing a Chicago Bears Sweatshirt! ;o)

My 2nd Cousins, Caitlin (18) and Cassandra (21) are so pretty, even in the early morning opening presents!! Trust me when I say, Santa never leaves them wanting for much!! ;o)

Uncle Jack got this "Sexy Mouse Pad" for Christmas and I really think he is still searching to the top half of the Mouse Pad somewhere in the house!!

I had to capture my Cousin Johnny at his finest here in his new hat from his In-Laws....what a character!!

Johnny was given a pair of Antlers that you put on your Truck.

For some reason I just don't picture him doing this? lol

Johnny's wife Julie was very excited about her 1st Christmas as a "Harris" and it was very obvious which gift was her Favorite. It was a picture frame that had all of her "Favorite Babies" in it.

She was a little overwhelmed with all of the gifts under the tree, but I have a feeling she will grow to love it more and more each year!!

After a full morning of opening presents even "GIRL", Uncle Jack's Black Lab was plum tuckered!

We all had to rest up to get ready for the Traditional Harris Family Christmas Dinner of Steak & Lobster!! Yummy!!! I'm thinking this should be our Addison Tradion, after all this was our 1st Christmas together too...hmmm....xoxoxo

Justin and I really want to Thank Aunt Sue & Uncle Jack for opening their house to us and allowing us to be a part of their Christmas. We really appreciate it and had a wonderful time!!!

1st Part of our 1st Married Christmas...

One good thing about going alot of different places over Christmas

is being able to open Presents early! ;o)

At my Parents house we decided to open gifts on Christmas Eve Eve since Justin and I would be leaving on Wednesday for Illinois to my Aunt's house.

Justin stated that he would not be upset if there were some "Pe-can" Pies waiting on him when he got to Missouri and my mom was sure to meet that request. I gotta tell ya I don't really know how many there were but there was one with every meal!

Mom also made Red Velvet Pies and Buckeyes (Chocolate covered peanut butter balls). She made 2 seperate containers in the refrigerator and labeled "NAVY" & "ARMY" - my Dad made sure to tell my Husband to keep his booger diggers out of his Navy container! I tell ya nothin but love between the branches of the Military!!

My only question was where was my Container?? hmmmm

I'm thinking that Justin liked the gift that I got for him....

Wii Sports Family Pack.

I just told him I don't want to send him to...."Wii-hab" lol

Mom & Dad knew what I got for him so they got him his 1st Wii game "Call of Duty" which is a Military Battle game. Justin looked at me and said "our marriage is over"

Justin's Dad and Stepmom also knew that I got him this so they sent us gift cards and Justin has been trying to spend them since we got them and I have been telling him to just wait and let's see what else we may want. So now he wants the accessories for the Wii games! Gee, ya think? Although I got the main ones, he wants the guns, etc....wii-diculous!

From: Army Son-in-Law to Navy Father-in-Law

Although Dad was in the Navy for his term, but not retired through Navy, but we figured he could still use this license plate because he was US Navy & is now Retired - so...it works...;o)

Justin and I got Dad a Fancy Coffee Machine for Christmas with a
bunch of new Flavored Coffee that Justin refers to as "Sissy Coffee". Dad Loved it!!!

However, it was very entertaining for me to sit back and watch these 3 try to figure out how to make it work - it was quite humorous for the non coffee drinker. Once it was figured it...it was a big success and lots of smiles, and Mom was happy because there was even a few Tea and Hot Cocoa samples in there too!

I was just happy that we got to have our "Cassidy Christmas"

on Christmas Eve Eve!

Yay Us!!

I also got a beautiful Cross necklace from Justin's Grandma and some very pretty earrings from his mom as well. My mom had taken some pics of this, but she wasn't focused to well so they were rather blurry (must've been all of her drinking, you know how she is...HA!). I will get some good pics this weekend as I'm sure I will have them on!

My wonderful Husband also got me a Gorgeous Diamond Cross Necklace AND are you sitting down....some Cowboys slippers and Cowboys gloves...yes...Cowboys, not Falcons!!!!! WOW, he bought NAVY and COWBOYS, (not Army or Falcons) he is definitely in the Spirit this year and deserves the Wii!

We also didn't get pics of Mom with her New Sewing Machine that dad got her and the Quilt Set that we got for her as well as the other goodies. She was to busy with the camera on others for us to capture her (I think she does that on purpose).

If I had to tell you my Favorite Gift?? hmmm...Having my Husband with me here at Christmas and New Years with my Family.

I hope that everyone else has as Great of a Christmas as I/Wii did!!!

Justin and I are now off to Illinois so that he can meet the rest (or at least majority) of the In-Laws.

Not diggin Santa.

My Brother sent me the above picture with the Caption...

“Enjoy…Kaitlin didn’t” and I think that about says it all.

Hard 2 Handle Christmas Party

My Sunday Pool Team is "Hard 2 Handle" and the Captain is Janet and she arranged our Team to have a Christmas Party at her house on Saturday, 12-20. She had a surprise for us to go somewhere and only a few of us knew where we were going. Then we went outside and there was a bus...I already knew we were getting a bus, but I pictured a short bus (yeah, I know I short bus)...but this was a big ol' Charter Bus like what a Band has so we were like Rock Stars! It was AWESOME!!! We had our own Bathroom! That's great for as many women that we had!

Then we were all given Santa Hats that lit up and we went to Grand Prairie's Parade of Lights and this place was sooooo cool!! We drove through what seemed like miles of lights that were organized so perfect! And then there was a stopping point where we got out and they had a Carasoul and Tent with lots of goodies for sale - Just really got us all in the Christmas Spirit!! And this story would NOT be complete if I do not tell you about Sally getting the Santa out of the Corny Dog line (yes Santa was NOT at the North Pole, he was at the Corny Dog stand) just to come take a picture with US!!! Boy, I sure hope we stay on his "NICE" list!!! ;o)

We also found out later (once I asked Joseph to turn on the Cowboys game) that our Bus Driver was a Former Dallas Cowboys Player! I cannot for the life of me remember his last name, but I know it is Ron....something...I will find out. So, it was alot of fun to watch the game with him, but it would've been alot more fun if the Cowboys would've been in the mood to actually play some football on this the last Game at TX Stadium. Ok, I'm gonna get back to the Party and not stay on this subject...

When we got back to Janet's house it was time to eat!!! Everyone was recruited to bring a different dish so there was alot of good food! And since we all know what a great cook I am, you can only imagine what a yummy dessert I brought! Thank Goodness I had the Perfect Dish to put it in too, and I even had a sticker with the ingredients, just in case anyone had any allergies or anything, ya know I am just considerate like that. ;o)

The gift exchange was very entertaining as it was Secret Santa, however you wrapped your gift in white paper and only put the person's name on it. Then all the gifts were placed in middle of table. Janet would hand the gift (one at a time) to a person and they would open and have 3 guesses to see if they could figure out who was their Secret Santa. If not they had to wait until after everyone else guessed before they could try again, so we had to pay attention (well, not Sherry - ha) to everyone's guesses to see who was guessed and no guess them. It was so much fun!!

Anyway, it was a GREAT PARTY and we have an AWESOME Captain to Thank for that as she is always a gracious Hostess and she once again went above and beyone in this Team Christmas Party.

I had to cut out early due to having to drive to Missouri really early the following a.m. to meet my Husband at my Parents or Lord only knows how late I would've been there!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS HARD 2 HANDLE!!! LOVE YA!!

Girly Goodies...

My good friend, Wendy made the above tutu for my niece, Kaitlin. I had her make it in the Chicago Bears Colors (that would be Orange and Navy Blue, Rick). ;o)

It turned out soooooo Cute I just had to share and hope that my Sister-in Law doesn't get on her before next week ;o)

If you like and want to order they do custom orders with any colors (doesn't have to be football team) just checkout their website there are lots of other goodies too: http://customdesignsbymimiblog.blogspot.com/

Wendy referred me to her “Bow” person, Tabitha, that makes the CUTEST bows ever!! I had her make a matching bow also in the Chicago Bears colors to match the tutu.

For Tabitha’s website: http://bowsforaddy.blogspot.com/

** CAUTION - ADDICTING*** ;o)