Christmas Ornaments

This year I was a little obsessed with making Christmas ornaments. I spent a majority of Thanksgiving break doing it. I had the intention of giving them away on gifts, but I forgot about that. I still need to pass them out. 

These were some of the ones I made. 

While gathering supplies at Michael's one day, I saw the trains and figured they would be fun to paint. I convinced Chris to paint one also. And then we just got lots of wooden ornaments to paint. 

We are slowly expanding our ornament collection. I would love if most of them were handmade.

2011 Gift Exchange

This was the first year us siblings did a gift exchange. We have always just bought everyone presents. But I really like how we did it this year. We drew names and didn't keep it secret. But we still got stuff for everyone's stocking. Because, honestly, I love buying presents for everyone else. So if was fun to still get a little something for everyone.

These are everyone's gifts that they got. Except Steven, I guess Jennifer got that picture. But he is still included.

This was the order of everyone. 

Randi-->Rob-->Steven-->Randi 

Jennifer-->Adison-->Charleah-->Chris-->Sam-->Jennifer

It was so successful, I am sure we will do it again next year. Well, I would love to do it again. 

Christmas Eve

"The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things."

"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ."

Thomas S. Monson

GingerBread Houses

We did decorated gingerbread houses after Christmas this year. They were 75% off, so I couldn't not get them.

We split into teams and decorated them. You can decide which one is better. I'll even leave it anonymous.

First up. You can tell that the decorators of this house had a steady hand and creative mind. Look at the beautiful gumdrop wreath over the door and the candy-stoned walkway in the front. The house looks well put together and will stand the test of time without falling over.  

The decorators of this house, must have been in a hurry. It looks as if it might topple over at any minute under the weight of all the icing. Look, the Christmas tree in the front yard has fallen backwards into the house! Just a sign of things to come with this house. And what's with the candy canes? Is no one supposed to go into the house because it is so dangerous inside?

Which one do you think is better?

Christmas

I am waiting for the family to wake up. This Christmas has come and gone by so fast. A combination of being older and so busy means that I haven't had much time to think about it.

However, I hope everyone doesn't get so wrapped up in presents and food and forget why we even celebrate Christmas.

We give gifts to symbolize the greatest gift we all received. Because Christ gave up his life, was buried, and rose on the third day we can all live again. We have the gift of salvation.

Read this if you need something to help remember how special this day it.

Tracking Santa

This is where Santa is right now.

Santa Claus

This is a spoiler. Don’t read on if you are under 10.

I was 6 years old when I stopped believing in Santa Claus.

At school, we were talking about Santa Claus and this boy had the audacity to say, “My dad told me there is no such thing as Santa Claus.”

Imagine 30 first graders grasping in disbelief. “No! That’s not true. Your dad’s a liar!”

When I went home later that night, I recounted the story to my parents.

“This boy at school said that Santa Claus wasn’t real!” To which my dad replied, “He’s not.”

Everything was downhill from there.

Now while I know Santa Claus isn’t a real person, I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus. Each of us can be the Santa in someone’s life. Either through secret Santa, participating in food drives, or offering up service to the people we know.

I don’t think having kids believe in Santa destroys them, or gives them unrealistic expectations about life. Anyone can take time this Christmas to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas and how we all can exemplify the person this celebration is for.

Card-Making Kick

I have been making lots of Christmas cards lately. It is a lot a fun and takes a lot of time. Here are just two of the ones I made.



Also, since it is now after Thanksgiving, I can start celebrating Christmas. I wish I could make all these Christmas crafts, but I have to start packing. Less than 3 weeks now until we move. I can't believe it is that soon.

Thanksgiving Turkey

I just took my 17 pound turkey out of the freezer to start defrosting it. Talk about leftovers.

I am so excited for Thanksgiving.

I only have to work 16 hours this week, but will get paid for 40.

We are going to watch Elf and White Christmas on Friday.

This is going to be the best week ever.