Christmas Day highlights

Capturing that first look:

priceless.

Any name suggestions

for our new family rock band? :)

Christmas Eve

We would do this

every year

at Grandpa and Grandma's house

with our cousins

when we were kids.

Now that we live farther away,

and do our own Christmas Eves,

we try to

carry on the tradition

of acting out the Nativity.

The kids look forward to it

every year.

(In case you were wondering,

London is a shepherd.

She's holding a sheep

and using her favorite blanket

to go over her head. Funny.)

They get to open one gift

before bed.

This year it was

much-needed

new winter pajamas

(microfleece - wish they came in

my size!)

And the stockings were hung

by the chimney with care. . .

Countdown

We are counting down

the days, officially.

Plates have been filled

and treats delivered

to neighbors.

Letters to Santa

have been carefully written.


And many pictures of him drawn.

Thanks to Sydney,

we even have a spot

for him to land

in our backyard.

I think we are

just about ready!

Are you?

Snow angel

We finally got

a real snowfall.

This was the first thing

she wanted to do

when she saw it.

Now Christmas can come!

A little Christmas cheer

Last night

we were favored by

a Christmas concert

at the middle school.

It helped to put us all

in a festive mood.

No, he's not singing a solo

(that will be next month)

but he had a speaking part.

He did a great job!

Here, enjoy some listening

for yourself. It was quite

fun to watch.

Cultural diversity

Today was so much fun!

We got together at the church

with some Hispanic

friends

from our community

and learned how to make tortillas!

I've always wanted to learn how,

and they were so kind

to share their expertise with us.

I learned:

nothing is measured with

cups or spoons, it is all

eye-balled, so it takes some

practice!

(And that made it difficult

to write down recipes!)

a tortilla press makes it

sooo much easier!

and they turn out prettier

than hand-rolling.

Corn tortillas are pressed,

flour are hand-rolled.

This sweet lady

showed us how to make

Bunuelos, which she

compared to donuts, only they

are rolled out flat and allowed to dry,

and then deep-fried.

Delicious!

It was such a fun way

to spend a few hours,

we made new friends

and learned a

bit of their culture, too!

New tradition

Tonight for FHE

the kids decided

we should do

what we did

last year and watch

Mr. Krueger's Christmas.

Last year was

the first time

they saw it,

and I guess

it was a hit.

So tonight,
we snuggled up

with blankets

and a fire in the stove, and

watched this wonderful show

for the 2nd year in a row.

I love the way it reminds me of

what Christmas is all about.

If you haven't seen it yet

this year, or seen it at all,

do. You'll be glad you did.

Signs of life

We are starting to see

some signs of life

under our Christmas tree.

The kids have been

busy, busy, busy

doing chores to earn money

to buy gifts for each other.

We took them all to the store

one night

and split up.

And they had so much fun

picking out the perfect present

to give the others.

Then, they couldn't wait

to start wrapping.

Each one took a turn

in the wrapping (laundry) room.

As the wrapped gifts appeared

under the tree,

the excitement spread

through the whole house.

Christmas is coming!

We can hardly wait.

Tire tracks

I just noticed this

cloud in the sky tonight.

That's the first time

I've ever seen one like it.

Austin said it looked like

tire tracks.

Hey, maybe there is off-roading in heaven! :)

Good for a laugh

Today, I had a most humorous conversation

with Miss London.

She had been eating

chocolate chip banana bread

and had chocolate

spread across her cheek, eye, and into her hair.

Austin said she looked like

Scar's daughter (Lion King, remember?)

I went over and started cleaning it off her face.

"What's this on your face?" I asked.

"It's chocolate." London replied.

"How did it get up there?" (on her eye)

"It just climbed up on."

(Laughing) "You're so funny.

How does chocolate climb?"

"It has some legs on."

I tell you what,

that girl.

She cracks me up.

I love it.

Sitting on Santa's lap

Never done this before.

She's a little apprehensive,

to go and see that man

with the big white beard

and red suit.

What will he say?

She's shy

for a minute,

but manages to tell him

about that dollhouse.

Especially if there's a

candy cane

in it for her afterward.

No way, forget it.

I'll just admire from afar, says Jordan.

But can I still have a candy cane?

Am I too old for this?

Never.


Hey, we match!

It's a time-honored tradition,
one that we hope will last
as long as their dreams do.
Never stop believing!

Heart sandwich, by London

Lately,

we have a favorite lunch.

She calls it

Heart sandwich.

She loves to make it herself.

First, you cut the first heart

out of bread.

Carefully tear off the edges.

Now, make the second heart.

Spread one with jam.

She likes raspberry or strawberry.

And enjoy!

The first bite

is always the best.

They taste much better

than regular old sandwiches!