Christmas 2009

So I am FINALLY getting around to blogging about Christmas. My life has been SUPER crazy since Christmas and so I haven't thought much about blogging. So, here goes...

We had a really great Christmas! Santa definitely visited and spoiled the kids like crazy! :) What fun years these are. I am so grateful for Santa and that he lets me see my kids' ecstatic and surprised faces each Christmas morning.

Easton got a hunting game, a BIG nerf gun, MP3 player, computer game, Incredible Hulk fists and mask, a movie, PS2 game, and many other fun things. Okay, and some "boring" gifts like clothes and books.




Paisley got a Baby Alive, which was all she asked for basically. She also got a CD player, a necklace/bead kit,some ICarly toys(TV show), a movie, PS2 game. She also got other toys and some "boring" items as well.





Avery also got a Baby Alive doll, some Littlest Pet Shop toys, Mr. Potato Head & accessories, and Tinker Toys. And, oh yeah..."boring" stuff. :) Except that books and clothes are fun to the girls. I guess only Easton thinks they are boring. :)




After the presents, Avery just sat back and snuggled with her new baby. She is going to be the BEST mom!

We had finished opening all of our presents before it was even fully light outside. So, yes, we were up early. Later that morning my brothers and their families, my parents, and my grandparents came over for breakfast. That was a lot of fun. We ate good! :)

After breakfast Easton was dying to have a Nerf gun war. He had received a new gun, but already owns about 7 other Nerf guns. I asked my family if they wanted to have a Nerf gun war and Jarom's response was, "Abso-freakin'-lutely!" Okay, I should have known my brothers would be all about it. So, everyone had a gun except my mom, Jackie, and myself. I gave myself the job of picking up and redistributing darts. Here are some pictures from the war:


The warriors, Dave, Stephanie, Andrew, my dad (very serious), Jarom, and Easton

Pre-war (I just love Andrew's face in this one!)






It was sooo much fun! Crazy, but a great time.

We had a really nice dinner later that day at my parents' house. It was just good to hang out and relax and visit. (We missed ya, Steph and Andrew.)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! I love everything about it. I love the lights, the smells, the Christmas cards, the Christmas tree, the ornaments, the food and treats, the presents, the giving, the time with family, the parties, white elephant gifts, Christmas programs, Christmas songs and hymns, the Christmas story...I love it all! I could go on and on and on! But, as much as I love it, I am kind of glad when it is all over. I am sad, yes, but a little relieved I guess is a better word. I actually enjoy the day after Christmas when we hang out and play with toys and just relax.

So, that is what we did the next morning. We just relaxed and played. It was wonderful.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas, we sure did! Looking forward to next year already! :)

Christmas Eve, part 2

After the busy day and the party at Dave's parents, we were glad to get home and begin our own Christmas Eve traditions. Unfortunately, Avery fell asleep on the way home and so she went straight to bed and missed out. But here are our traditions...

#1. A new tradition this year, spreading "Reindeer food" on the snow



#2. Writing letters to Santa




Paisley's translation: "Dear Santa I want to know, do you like gingerbread cookies? Love, Paisley (On the back she asked for a Nintendo DS. We told her it was a little late for asking.)



Easton's translation: "Santa, There is some reindeer food. Did Rudolph bonk his nose? __________ I want a DSi please or a DS please next year. And, a hunting game for play station. Do you have a son? ___________ How many elves do you have? ______ How old are you? ______________

(And yes, Santa answered all his questions.) :)

#3. Reading the Night Before Christmas (we have the Little Critter version)



#4. Setting out cookies and milk for Santa (I only got a picture of the remains!)


And then it was off to bed. I hope that visions of sugar plums danced in their heads!!

Christmas Eve part 1

We had a really busy Christmas Eve. I, being the procrastinator that I am, actually had a bit of last minute shopping to do that day! Crazy! So, Dave and I loaded up the kids to go brave the chaos! It wasn't too bad, though. Dave and the kids usually waited in the car while I ran in the store. A pretty good system, since we didn't have to fight for parking spots, etc.

When all of the shopping was FINALLY done for the year, we went to Dave's mom and dad's for our annual Christmas Eve party. We had a GREAT prime rib dinner that Dave's mom fixed. We were as stuffed as Thanksgiving! :)

After dinner, Dave's Uncle Dennis recited the Night Before Christmas for the whole family.







Then it was time for the little kids to open their presents. We draw names every year and so each kid gets one gift from one of their cousins. Avery got a new Cinderella dress up dress and crown. She was in heaven!



I, unfortunately, didn't get any pictures of Easton and Paisley with their gifts. They are always off and running with their cousins, so it is hard to catch a picture.

We had a great day with Dave's family, as we always do. We have great food, great conversation, and many many laughs. I look forward to Christmas Eve each year!

Christmas Eve Eve

Every year since I can remember we have had a big Christmas party with my mom's side of the family. All of her cousins and aunts and uncles come. It has become quite a large number of people now with all of the little great-grand children joining the group at a rapid pace! :) It used to be held on Christmas Eve when I was younger, but now it is on Christmas Eve Eve. :)

Dave couldn't make it this year because of work. But, the kids and I headed out for some fun. We always have a big dinner and then get a special visit from...SANTA CLAUS!!! Santa brings each child a gift and talks to them. It is just a fun time for them.






Paisley with her good buddy, my mom's brother, Blair


Avery (with her MESSY face) would NOT sit on Santa without me! Yea, I love being in pictures! :(
Now she's happy!

Christmas program

A couple weeks ago, Easton and Paisley's school held their annual Christmas singing program. Each grade from preschool to 6th sang 2 or 3 songs. It was really fun to watch. I love seeing my kids up there singing.

They had two times for the programs. Same songs, different times. So, I have some pictures of them during the 1:00 program, and some of them at the 6:30 program. I had them dress up more at the one in the evening. (I didn't dare send them in too nice of clothes to school!) Anyway, here are a few pictures from the programs:












Has you ever seen 3 cuter kids?? :)

Chocolate!!!

I am sooooo soooooo soooooo behind on my blogging. As it is for everyone, we have been super busy every day the last couple weeks. I have a lot of posts I want to do and pictures to show. Instead of making one long boring post, I am going to take the next several days to post about things one event at a time.

So here goes...

A couple weeks ago, Dave's mom and I spent the WHOLE day making goodies for friends and neighbors. We made:

Oreo Truffles
Mint oreo truffles
Chocolate chip cookie dough truffles
Cherry cordials
Peanut butter truffles
Mint-chocolate candies



It was a really fun day. And so busy! We took a break for lunch and then came right back to it. We started at about 9 a.m. and my mother-in-law left about 7 p.m.



It was crazy! Thanks Shirley, it was a great day!

Sorry that we didn't get out to everyone we had intended to with plates of goodies, but we tried! Hope those of you who got a plate enjoyed them! :) What a great way to start the holiday season!

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