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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Christmas in the Manger

I went a little crazy and got a bunch of Christmas books this year. As a child, I remember being so excited as my parents unpacked our Christmas books from the Christmas storage boxes. I loved reading those books every year! I want my kids to feel the same way. I want them to look forward to reading these special Christmas books each Christmas.

Every day, since the day after Thanksgiving, I read Arden Christmas books. She became so familiar with them that she knew the stories...knew the words. One day, we were reading Christmas in the Manger, and I realized she could finish each rhyming line. I showed this talent off to the grandparents when they came over. They loved it!

I realized I needed to record it for cuteness' sake...plus, I figured she'd like to watch herself in the future. I waited a little long to do the recording...it was probably a week after Christmas, and we hadn't read the book in awhile. She was a little rusty. Ah well...still cute.

Enjoy!


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas! There wasn't too much house-hopping this year. We enjoyed a little family time in the early morning. Adam's family came to us later in the morning, and we went to my dad's house in the afternoon. In the evening, my mom came to our house. Oh how wonderful it is to have a home with so much room!

Did I mention we had a WHITE Christmas, too?! It was a Christmas miracle! The snow started around 10 or 11 a.m. and continued throughout the day. We had several inches when all was said and done. Crazy!

It was nice to celebrate the boys' first Christmas. Unfortunately, all the kids were sick. Arden woke up very unhappy. She seemed better after breakfast. Once she opened her stocking and Adam's family came over, she was so happy! Let me just say this little munchkin girl is now a pro gift-opener.


Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Our Advent Calendar! When I first put it out, Arden was all over it...I found little people everywhere. She soon got used to the idea and left it alone. Then Bryce came over and took all the little people off...haha


Now that's how you open a stocking!

She's very excited about her Hello Kitty notepad!

It's so nice to have a real fireplace.

Feeding the monkey a treat.

Pig tails!

We were so glad Adam's family came to us this year...not that they had to travel far! It's great to have a house where everyone fits.

Hanging up an ornament that Mary Bernice made.


Arden with her "ios!"


This was before Arden became a pro at opening her gifts. You can see Adam's impatience...haha



Jason sent his dad and brothers on a scavenger hunt for their gifts. I'm sure they had fun, but it was a bit time consuming...and us women-folk were annoyed by it. This was the end result..haha

Hanging out with baby Caylee.

And so the snow begins!

Arden got her daddy-made blanket for Christmas! He started this thing before she was born. Life is busy with kids!


Arden as Cindy Lou Who!


We headed over to my dad's after the boys' naps. Unfortunately, we didn't see much of Mayeth. She was in the kitchen preparing a large feast for her friends.


Chris and Jasmine!


Arden discovered a new love this year: snowmen!


Arden got the hang of opening presents and decided every present was for her.

Meredith!

Since I'm usually the one behind the camera, I snapped this pic of myself. Love the brioche...it's from Sabrina!

Catie!

We were supposed to head over to my mom's for one last gift exchange, but she suggested we just head home because of all the snow. She met us there and brought cake and ice cream. Yum! She also brought the kids' gift: an awesome wagon.

We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! We certainly did.

Christmas Eve!

Mmmk, so I know this is really late. I couldn't just skip it, though!

Traditionally, Christmas Eve is "Becky's Christmas." We all get together with my Aunt Becky at my mom's house, have dinner, and give Becky her Christmas presents. Unfortunately, at the beginning of last year, Becky had a fall. Her colon ended up rupturing. During surgery, it was discovered that she had stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's been through chemotherapy this past year and seems to be feeling better. She isn't mobile, though, so we have to make time to see her. When we do see her, she's in good spirits. I can make all the excuses in the world as to why I don't make time to see her...I really just need to go more often.

We still ended up having dinner at my mom's house. My mom surprised us by setting up a Christmas tree in her office. She had to get rid of hers last year due to the discovery of lead in it, and I didn't think she was going to get another one. Surprise! I didn't get any pictures, but it was a lovely tree. Anywho, dinner was delicious, but the baby boys have a way of making an evening unenjoyable. Once 5 p.m. hits, they are not happy babies. We headed home and had all kids in bed by 8:30 p.m. Phew!

Rogan and Grayson

Rogan!

Grayson!

I love their matching Christmas tree pjs. I got them at the GMOM consignment sale.
I got Arden dressed up for some shots by the tree. These are the best ones I could get!
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