Again, where does time go?

So I wanted to write a few things down while they are on my mind- hopefully I can do a picture catch up later.
This season has been so fun and magical with a 2 1/2 year old! Presents are piling up under the tree and Addie keeps asking "Can I open my present now?" On the way to church tonight we were discussing the tree and presents and she said "We have to wait to open presents until Christmas when it's Jesus' birthday." Do you ever have those moments as a mommy when you go- "SWEET SHE ACTUALLY DOES LISTEN!!!" well that was my moment. I did a little fist pump and said a thank you prayer. We have really tried to keep the focus on Jesus being the reason we give presents at Christmas- the whole reason for Christmas not just the "real" meaning...because really he is the only meaning for Christmas. No Christ, no Christmas. As I teach my sweet little one these important life lessons I find that I am learning them all over, but in a deeper more vivid way. I've always heard you learn more by teaching others and I think it's so true!
Other sweet traditions- we hiked it up to Boone the day after thanksgiving to pick out our Christmas tree @ Greene Tree Farm (YAY for Burl & Jennifer- we love seeing them every year when we go- interested in getting the most beautiful tree ever? check out their web site- www.greenetreefarm.com) But it was so stinking cold, the kids and I stayed in the car while Daniel (aka master tree picker outer extraordinaire) picked the absolute most beautiful tree for us.
Then on Sat. Addie was in the Midway Christmas Parade with Uncle Stephen and Daddy. I was the proudest mom ever- waving like a crazy woman and yelling her name. She was throwing out candy and saying "Merry Christmas" and waving like a beauty queen. Sigh. That's my girl! Again- pictures to come. The next weekend we went down to Charlotte for the Martin Family turkey time. Addie had a great time playing with cousin Zayne, Piper and Sedona. Course Uncle Nick made awesome fires and there was much hot tea consumed. Addie and Zayne made a gingerbread house with Aunt Katie and then spent the rest of the weekend sneaking "gummies" off of the rooftop. Okay Hansel and Gretal!
Hmmm then came Addies debut on stage- her Christmas program. Get ready Get set...okay she stood with her back nearly turned to the adoring crowd, lip quivering and hands clasped the whole time. BUT SHE DID IT! And with a church full of oohers and awers I have to say she did pretty good! She's got a little me in there somewhere- I know I've seen the drama at home- it's only a matter of time till it pours out on stage.
Meanwhile, the kings and shepherds from our Nativity disappeared several nights ago. They showed up in the back of the house- in mommy and daddy's bathroom. Then the next morning they were in mommy and daddy's room and then to addie's room! They move every night, slowly making their way to the manger. Addie has a great time looking for them every morning. "Are they in the manger? Noooo it's not Jesus' birthday yet...maybe they are in brother's room?"
We got snowed in this past Friday and it made for a wonderful weekend. We went sledding down our driveway which was way awesome, drank hot chocolate, and decorated Christmas cookies.
Have I told you Addie's favorite color is orange? Well if I haven't she will. Don't worry. I hear it at least 3 times a day. Especially when she gets her vitamin (said vit-a-nem). "Mommy, I want orange. Orange is my favorite color. When there are no oranges then I will eat red. Okay mommy? Okay?"
During a tickle session the other day Addie said "No mommy (giggling hysterically), that's my under pit." I laughed till my cheeks hurt.
Maddox update. Well he is 4 months old. Wow- that was quick right?? We are headed to his check up tomorrow morning and I am sure he will be in the 97% again. He is in 6 month clothing. And he is so precious. He smiles at the slightest inkling of attention and laughs great belly laughs with little to no provoking (Addie made you work for it....but that's her personality. She can be somewhat of an introvert. Go figure.) he is so laid back. He is rolling over which generally upsets him. He will be happily playing on his back, roll over and immediately call for help. Hopefully mommy gets there before Addie tries to "help." He can actually roll back over to his back but for some reason doesn't want to. I've seen it though so I know it's possible. He loves bath time, he loves his toy rabbit with crinkly ears and he thoroughly loves chewing on anything close to his mouth. If he is in our bed when Addie gets up she peaks over to him and says "Goooood Mooorning Boooy" and he just lights up. I love watching the interaction between them. (really will post pictures, I promise). Okay except when she is steam rolling him- I keep telling her that she won't be able to do that much longer. Soon it will be the other way around.
Okay so this is an incredibly long post and if you've hung with me till this point I am impressed!! Sorry for the novel but this is my form of scrap booking until I can get my hands dirty with the real thing. I need to go though. It's past my bed time and Daniel wants to check his fantasy scores. Oh Carolina got a touchdown....why did they wait till the end of the season to actually play? Okay really I'm going now. I'll post pictures soon!