Welcome Christmas!

Just a Thought:

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas. . . perhaps. . . means a little bit more!"

~Dr. Seuss~

This year as some of you know we had a Very Merry Homemade Christmas! It was lots and lots of fun!

Grandma and Grandpa had us doing twelve days of Christmas. On the 11th day we found Grandma had made us all aprons. So we put them on and we were off and cooking!

Because.....Well of course even dinner was going to be homemade! There was bread made by Missy and she helped Mom make peanut brittle for Dad. We had chili, baked potatoes, broccoli soup! We made "egg" nog out of almonds, and a cheeze ball too. And for dessert there was Mint Chocolate pudding or Mango Mousse. There was also lots of snacks, nuts, fruits, veggies and dips. There was lots and lots of food so we invited a few neighbors over! The kids wanted to try toffee too so we did and well lets just say we didn't tell the neighbors about it! ;) That one may need a little practice! Note to self: Don't try a new recipe the day of the party!

The kids put on the Christmas play! Their costumes and props get better every year!


Missy played and we sang Christmas songs! She did an amazing job!

The kids coming down the stairs Christmas Morning!


Looking in their Stockings!

It was a very fun peaceful Christmas Morning!

Curt opened up the toy Matt made for him!

He really likes it!

Especially since Matt made himself one too! Oh already hours of fun have come from them!

Here is what Dad and Mom made the kids! Very Simple, yet they were happy to get them and thought it was fun that Mom and Dad would take the time to make them some nice gifts! We also made them a calendar that has special date nights scheduled for each of the kids throughout the year. So they have other "gifts" to look forward too!

Mom made Missy and necklace and bracelet and Dad made her a bowl to keep on her dresser for her jewelry. She really liked them a lot!

The boys thought that their hats and scarves were pretty cool and would come in handy with all the cold and snow we have been having!

Charly thought her hat was "pretty" and the butterfly was "cute!"

When she finds out that the butterfly can be put on the hat in place of the flower she will think that is pretty cool too! Oh as a Mother I cannot tell you how nice it was to not worry about the stress and crowded stores and spending too much money! The kids enjoyed making things for each other and learned even more about the joy of giving and service and LOVE! It was also lots of fun for them wondering when and how and what Mom and Dad were going to make for them! We decided the only bad thing was that we didn't think about it soon enough and so it really limited our time and what we could make. But we already have ideas and are excited to start on things EARLY for next year!

We hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas! We love and miss you all BUNCHES!!!

Just a Thought:
"And what happened then . . . ? Well . . . in Who-ville they say That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day!" ~Dr. Seuss~