Merry Christmas to All

Our Christmas this year has been a little different for us. In many ways so many wonderful memories were created for us that wouldn't have been. We were not planning on being in Texas for Christmas so we didn't bring any of our Christmas boxes of decorations. We have had a lot of fun creating our own. The kids made paper snowflakes that we hung from the ceiling and on our windows. We collected pine cones, painted them and added bows. We made bread-dough ornaments and had a great time painting them. The kids even strung popcorn for garland like we had on our tree when I was a kid. We also bought inexpensive stockings and the kids got to decorate theirs. Of course, Santa, Christmas trees and gingerbread men created by Freemen in his kindergarten class adorned our walls.

I think the kids enjoyed decorating the tree even more this year with everything THEY got to make.

This is Bella's gingerbread man she painted purple. Greg snapped the picture of our little blond angel.

Greg said this was his favorite tree we've ever had.

Random picture.... Ty tried to take a step off the sidewalk into the street by himself. His nose ate asphalt.

Ty wanted to make sure his teeth were nice and clean before chowing on all the Christmas candy he got.

Waiting in line to see Santa.

Over the last month, when Bella would lose something she would blame it on Santa. We haven't figured it out yet why. She would tell us that Santa took her blanket or puppy and say she didn't like Santa. When it was time to sit in his lap she was clinging on to me with a death grip. She finally agreed to stand next to Haylie. Ty didn't cry at all. He is my first brave baby.

P.S. Freemen lost his first tooth!!! He lost it at school and got a little "tooth" necklace to put it in. He is so laid back. He didn't make a big deal out of it like Haylie did. He has a second tooth loose too. What a cute little boy. Growing up so fast.

Kindergarten Christ mas party. One of the Moms made them all these reindeer hats.

We made gingerbread men to leave for Santa.

Christmas Eve they got to open...new PJ's! Freemen loves his robe. Haylie got her slipper/boots she has been wanting. I think Ty will grow out of his withing the week!

Stockings! Greg and I went to bed at midnight. Greg woke up at 6:30 and made me get out of bed. It was cute to see how excited he was to go see the kids. We could hear them down the hall.

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!

Santa must have thought these kids were really good this year.

Freemen asked Santa for something else, but Santa doesn't always give you what you want, but what he gives you he knows you'll love... and Freemen does love his dragon castle.

This little Toy Story Dino roars and is a flashlight. Ty roars back at it.

My little rocker. Greg got Rock Band. We love playing it. Haylie is so cute.

My first Chocolate Meringue pie from scratch. It was so good. We had a great big turkey dinner and now I'm going to go eat some leftovers.

Our Christmas was low-key and simple, but simple things make the longest lasting impressions. The night we took the kids to see Christmas lights in a nearby neighbor hood, Ty kept oohing and ahhing and Christmas eve, listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. These are the things that helped me feel the spirit this Christmas. I am so thankful for the Birth of my Savior and this time of year amongst all the craziness, I can reflect on His life. Merry Christmas!