Family Christmas Party 2008

This year my sister, Carrie, had the family Christmas Party at her house. It was my parents, my Grandma Young, and my sister's families. We had such a great time being together as one big happy family. All of us pitched in and brought parts of the big Christmas dinner and there were desserts galore! We did presents and then just sat around feeling full and talking, laughing, and of course making fun of each other...what else would family do!! Here are some pictures from the night...

Steve carving the Christmas turkey and ham...I sure hope his "supervisors" approve!!

What a crazy bunch!!

The Cialini Family

David waiting patiently to open the presents!!

My sister, Jackie, gave me these serving dishes that I really wanted for a while!!

David with his Chinese yo-yo!!

Uncle Steve and Joey!!

Wow, Jeff, what nice teeth you have!

Dad and Mom FINALLY moved into the 21st century and got a digital camera...from all their wonderful children!! Now we have to decide who is going to teach mom how to use it...sorry Steve, you've been nominated the lucky winner!

Josh with his Black Canyon rifle and pistol...we had to go all the way to Pennsylvania to get it (well, not just for that!). For some reason you can't find any toy guns in this wonderful state of New York...stupid!

David got a new watch from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Tim!

When it came time for my husband to open his present...well, you know him, he was really excited!

...REALLY, REALLY excited!!

Amy opening her "Ruthie" American Girl Doll from Grandma and Grandpa...she was so happy!!

The School Christmas Party...

...was cut short this year thanks to very bad weather!! My husband had the whole day planned out - we were going to make gingerbread houses, eat, play games, eat, have gifts, eat, play some more games, eat...oh, did I already say that?!! Well, we didn't get to do much of anything, but we did have time for some eating and of course, the gifts! Here are some pictures from the hour-long party!

Do you think he is excited? What could it be?!!"A Keurig coffee maker just for me...ooh, la, la!!"
I wonder if these three are that well-behaved all the time?!!I think Jeff had one too many Red Bull energy drinks!! See what I mean!!

While I was at school, I went down to Mrs. Kuhn's class to get a couple pics of David and his class...

Mrs. Kuhn gave each of her students a Webkinz for Christmas...and as you can see, she "hit the nail on the head" with their presents!! Good job, Mrs. Kuhn!

Jackie's Birthday!!

This past Monday night, we had a birthday party for Jackie! We had a really good time. What a blessing to share another year of life together with the ones we love...God is so good!! Here are some pictures from the night...

I love this guy!!

Oh, and then there's Carrie!! I told her to smile so we could get a picture...maybe having the party at her house was...well, too much for her?!

There's a little story behind the last line of Jackie's birthday cake, but we'll just keep it in the family for safety's sake!!

I know my eyes look a little too excited in this picture. It's because Jackie was pulling so hard on my neck with her hand, and Steve was taking his sweet time snapping the photo!!

Steve said I should use this picture as it showed his good side...I didn't know men had a good side! Just kidding, Steve!

Joey was anxiously waiting for Aunt Jackie to open those presents!

Mom was trying to take Jackie's chocolate bar. Her explanation was simple..."Well, I'm the one who had you. Don't you think the mother should get something on the child's birthday?". Jackie wasn't convinced!! Oh, and by the way, the chocolate bar was organic...of course!

"Mommy, look at me. Me am standing up here!!" I love my Joey-boy!

I wonder what is in that big box?!

"Oh boy!! A new pot to hit Steve over the head with...my old ones weren't doing the job anymore!"

Happy ___ Birthday, Jackie!! (I'll let you fill in the blank!)

Soooo busy...

We have been sooo busy here at the Cialini household with all that the month of December brings! With all that goes on with family activities, things at the church, and just the normal everyday stuff, it seems that we haven't slowed down much since before Thanksgiving! We did take some time out last Thursday night to make our first annual gingerbread house...and boy, was that messy!! The boys loved decorating the house, but I think my husband and I had more fun! After a while it was just him and I at the table finishing up!

Joey was so careful...more like particular...I wonder where he gets that from?!