Andrew Jason

My brother and sister-in-law had their baby! A beautiful little boy born on January 20, weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces. Rachel didn't think her parents were going to be able to come, so she called my mom, and being the good daughter I am, we hopped in the car Sunday after church and drove to Norfolk. It was cold in Rachel's room, so Jason wore a coat and stayed bundled up.

That week was the end of the semester, so mom and I weren't missing too many actual school days and we spent the week cooking food and cleaning for the new parents. Rachel's parents did end up being able to come, so Jason got my mom and I a room on the nearby air force base so here parents could stay at the house and be close to her. Joey ended up driving up that weekend. A good time was had by all and we love our new addition!

On the way home, we stopped to eat in Winston Salem and my college roommate/maid of honor met us! It was so good to see my very good friend. Love you Katie!

New Year's

For New Year's Eve we were invited to Kim Bell's house. She and Mark would be getting married in less than 3 weeks, so, really, they were both hosting. Mark's brother, Matt, and his wife, Becca (who is Joey's sister), also came with their three kids. This was mine and Joey's first New Year's together since I had gone to a World Changers party the year before. Kim's birthday is also January 1, so it was extra special to be the first people to wish her a happy birthday.

Rachel slept most of the time.

Pouring the sparkling grape juice for the countdown.

Becca and Matt

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...

Happy New Year!

After Matt and Becca and the kids went home, Joey and I stayed for some late night singing on the playstation. We had a blast and hope to do it again!

Can't wait to see wait 2008 will bring! Happy New Year!

New Car

After the insurance company finally totaled the Explorer and I had driven a rental for over a month, we went car shopping. I wanted a Honda CR-V. A friend in college had one and I was super impressed by how much room there was in the back seat and the cargo area and the gas mileage wasn't bad either. Did I mention that it's a Honda? You can't go wrong with a Honda.

We had researched on the Internet the different places that had used CR-Vs for sale so we headed to South Carolina. First stop was Hendrick Honda in Easley. They had a used white one that was great, but the price wasn't so great. So we kept going. We ended up at the Motor Mile in Greenville; more specifically Breakaway Honda. They had some nice used ones, too. However, if we were going to the spend that much money, why not buy a new one for very close to the same price? So we did. I am the very proud owner of a light blue, 2008, Honda CR-V!

Christmas

Our first Christmas together as a married couple. Joey bought me a new camera and couldn't wait to give it to me, so I got it a few days early. I snapped a few quick pics.

Well, I'm not very good at keeping secrets either, so I gave Joey his main present, Guitar Hero III. He's a happy guy.

Christmas was spent with Joey's family at our house.

Loren and Rachel

After everyone left, Joey and I exchanged the rest of our gifts to each other since we knew Christmas Day would be very busy.

I love Cranium! We had already played all the cards in the box, so he got me a whole new set of cards!

What can I say....he's a little boy at heart.

For as long as I can remember we have always eaten Christmas Breakfast at my Ma Rea's house. She lives within walking distance from my parents house so it's real easy to hop over bright and early. We usually eat then take naps. :)

We all have homemade stockings that my mom made. Aren't they great?

Melissa, Abby, and Steve

Pepper's such a good boy.

The McGuire's then get together for a fun game of Dirty Santa (the rules can be found here minus the alcohol and we split up by gender since there are so many of us and have two games). It's always a lot of fun and you don't feel broke by buying everyone a present and you usually end up with something pretty nice. Rule of thumb - purchase something you will like and you may just end up with it!

Steve, Gramma, and Grandad

Owen and Lindsay

Another side note about the game - only married people participate while everyone still buys for the 'young uns'.

Liz, Whit, and Scott

Thanksgiving and Jeremiah's Birthday

We made the trek to Florida for Thanksgiving. For some reason, I have no pictures of the time we spent down there. However, on the way home, a big blue diesal truck pulled out in front of me on a small road in South Carolina. Joey was sitting in the back watching a movie. Our Explorer was totaled and we had to wait on my dad to drive 2 hours to come get us. Yes, we only had it two months, but since we had Gap Insurance, we no longer had a significant amount of debt. So really it was a blessing in disguise since no one was hurt.

Jeremiah's birthday is November 28th, so it always falls close to Thanksgiving. Matt and Becca had every one over for the party. 

Jeremiah and Mark

Josiah

Matt's Aunt Jean with Josiah and one of grandkids.

Matt's mom, June, with Rachel

Opening presents!

"Fix it Daddy"

Rachel was about 4 months old

Aunt Kim tries to wrangle Josiah and Jeremiah.