WIC Christmas Party!

What is WIC? WIC stands for "Women in the Church"! It is a ministry at our church, Christ Presbyterian, that brings our women together in fun and fellowship and tonight we had our Christmas Party! One of my reasons for highlighting this on the blog is that this particular ministry is one I'm helping with this year. I've been wanting to do more at church and one way I feel that the Lord has spirtually gifted me is love for service and others - especially women. I just love being around women and if I can encourage them in their walk with the Lord, even better! We really had a great turnout - we enjoy the yummy snacks, singing Christmas carols (with a real flute and keyboards) and we got to hear wonderful testimony by Ruthie Bagnal. I love hearing from others how the Lord has worked in their lives. Hearing from Ruthie was so refreshing as she really put into words some of my current struggles as a wife and mother and how her faith in God got her through it. We ended the night with a gift card exchange. All in all, I'd say the evening was a success!

A New 'Do!

It took a little while but Cora finally has enough hair to pull back into a small ponytail! I love seeing her with a new look! Granted, she really does not like being still long enough for me to pull it back so I'm not sure if I will get to see this look often! She seemed to enjoy seeing herself in the mirror. Maybe one day she will be the type of girl who wants me to brush her hair. If she is anything like me, I kind of doubt it! I have lots of photos of me, with very crazy looking hair. I remember asking my mom why my hair always looked so horrible when I was younger and she said it was because I screamed every time she brushed it. I used to blame her for it but now that I'm in her shoes, I can see that cute hair is sometimes not worth the battle!




It's a small ponytail!

Here is a fun shot of me when I was around 3 years old. Check out that unruly hair! Oh well! Maybe I'll have better luck with Cora!






Thanksgiving 2010

Today, we celebrate being thankful... and we are very thankful for all that God has done! This year, we spent the holiday with Williams family in Fuquay Varina. We were joined by his mom and dad, Grandma Bell, his Aunt Jo and Uncle David, his sister Katherine and boyfriend Kevin, and also his sister Jennifer, husband Cory and son Parker.



I am thankful for this sweet family the Lord has blessed me with. I have a wonderful husband who loves me despite my faults, a beautiful, healthy daughter who I get to stay home with and watch grow up!



The Bell Women!


We had such a wonderful feast. Rachel kept saying how wonderful it was just hearing all the chatter - it meant a full house!


Group photo - which almost didn't happen. Cora did not want to leave "Seaseme Street" to take this photo! After singing the theme to "Elmo's world", she finally sat still just long enough for us to snap the picture and then she ran back to the TV!

Let them eat Cheesecake!!

For Thanksgiving, William's mom asked if we could bring a dessert to share! So after some discussion, it was decided that we would make a cheesecake. We've never attempted one before - this was our first! and I must say, it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Sure, there were a lot of steps but it was mostly waiting. After baking in the oven for 1 hour, we had to crack the door to the oven, turn it off and let it cool for another hour, like that. We assume this is to prevent the cake from cracking. We chose a "Turtle Cheesecake" so it had an oreo crust, and a chocolate, caramel and pecan top. It was very yummy and everyone praised the cheesecake!



Did you know this is what is in a cheesecake?


Mixing it up!


William preparing the pecan and caramel topping!


The final result. Yummy!

Holiday Show!

Back in May of 2010, I decided to become a "Pampered Chef" consultant. This was something I NEVER thought I would do..But I have really enjoyed doing it! I love their products, plus it's a great opportunity for me to get out of the house and be around women. I'm not really in it for the money (though it is nice), I do it for FUN! One fun thing I did recently was our first annual Holiday Show! Myself and 3 other vendors all got together at 1 house, invited all our contacts, friends and family and just gave them a one-stop shop for them to enjoy! I had a great time and I got to meet some new people! This is definitely something we all hope we can do again!



Me in my apron working on the "Peppermint Crunch Bark". It's so easy and pretty!


The finished product - doesn't it look fancy!


I also made cookies with the cookie press!

Little Mommy

We have discovered this new place in Greenville called "Child Links". It is wonderful! Basically, it's almost like a library for toys. You can go and check out toys for your child to play with a return them in a few weeks when they have become bored and need something new. The best part is that it is free! So I checked Cora out some baby dolls, and pretend food. She really enjoyed feeding them!


She loves helping us get water and ice from the fridge. I have to make sure the lock is on when she uses it!


Feeding her babies. She put them in her highchair herself!


Checking on them... I think she will make a great mom one day!

While mom's away... Cora will play!

I felt I had to include some photos of what Cora and William were up to while I was away. William told me that he appreciates me so much! He said he didn't shower for 2 days and also that he couldn't figure out how to get anything done! So I think these weekend getaways are good for dads to remember and appreciate the mommy's and their hard work at taking care of their children!



William getting Cora ready for church! Dress with pj's - maybe a new fashion trend!




Thankfully, he did make her look a little more presentable!


I love this little girl and I missed her so much!

Myrtle Beach continued...Heading Home!

We came, we shopped, we conquered! After 3 days of shopping, we were all ready to head home. We really had great weather for November. It was unseasonably warm so on our way home, we stopped for a quick walk on the beach. I really enjoyed my time with Williams mom and 2 sisters. I consider myself really blessed to have in laws that I love and enjoy!



Us with our many shopping bags!


It always amazes me that we manage to fit everything in the car!


Great day for a walk on the beach!

Myrtle Beach continued.... Medieval Times!

After a day of shopping, we decided to take in a show. This year we went to "Medieval Times". Out of our group, only I had been before. It has been a few years since I went (I went back in college) and I'm sad to say that the show was pretty much the same! I think Rachel, Jennifer and Katherine enjoyed it.








This picture makes us laugh!! Notice the knight on the end - he is so serious!

Annual Girls Trip to Myrtle Beach!

Today is the day we leave for our annual trip to Myrtle Beach!  After William and I got married, the Bell girls started a tradition of heading there to start our Christmas shopping! We stay at a place near the beach, we sleep in, eat out, go see a show and most importantly - Shop till ya drop! I've really looked forward to these trips, especially now after having Cora because it is so nice to get away and have a break from being a "mommy" for a moment. I'm really thankful for William for being able to handle Cora while I'm gone to. I will say that the Bell women can really shop - so I probably came back more exhausted than when I left. It's worth it though!


Here is a before shot. Before all the shopping craziness!


Rachel and Jennifer, eating dinner at Johnny Rockets!


Katherine and I, we got a yummy milkshake!


A group shot before we start the day of shopping!

Multi-Tasking....

Cora enjoying "Sesame Street"!!

Super Doubles!!

How much do you think I paid for all of this? Without coupons, it would have been (before tax) $27.75! But since this week is "super doubles" at Harris Teeter, I was able to get all of this for only $3.24! Thank you to Harris Teeter for the great deals and to my dad for giving me coupons!

18 month stats!

Today, Cora had her 18 month well child visit with Dr. Waller.  Here are her stats!!

Weight = 24 lbs 7 oz (50th percentile)
Length = 32 1/2 inches (75th percentile)
Head = 18 1/4 inches (25-50 percentile)

Dr. Waller said Cora was looking great!  She is super smart and beautiful :)  I am so thankful to have a healthy child.  Thank you Lord for this blessing as I know I take it for granted everyday. 

Sweet Visit from a great friend!

I had the most wonderful surprise today! Pictured below is a shot of Cora and I with our dear friend, Christi Shoaf. Christi and her husband, Drew, moved out to Washington State in 2008 for Drew to fulfill his dream of being a "travel nurse". They are sweet friends from college who were also involved with Campus Crusade for Christ. They got engaged the same time William and I did and they also got married the same year that we did. I have missed them a lot since they moved from Greenville. Though, they have loved living near Seattle and we've loved hearing about all their adventures. We actually flew out to visit them (before Cora) back in September, 2008. They really showed us a great time!


Back to my wonderful surprise! Christi has actually flown back to NC for a little while so that she can take care of her 90 year old grandpa. He was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and in need of a caretaker while Christi's parents are on business. What I love about Christi is that she didn't even need to think twice. Her and Drew both said, "Let's get you a ticket and get you home to take care of him." On this day, she had a "day off" and came to Greenville and called us for a visit. Christi was definitely the highlight of my day. She is such an encouragement to me and our visit was such a great reminder of what wonderful friends the Lord has blessed me with. I'm so thankful we share this common bond of Jesus Christ in our lives!!