December Moments

Other December Moments:

Our family has never gotten into the Elf on the Shelf (hello creepy elf), but this year we did get this elf that seemed so much more friendly.

This elf only hides and does not do all of this watching, reporting, etc.

(He also doesn't look creepy.)

I hid Efie one night and the kids found him like this:

They took one look, made no comment or expression of excitement, and then returned to breakfast.  That was the end of Elfie.

#generic

Dinner and "Quotes Box" with Friends

The quote box is any funny or interesting quote overheard during the day.  

We place the quotes in a box and review monthly.

We had a lot of laughs.

For example, 

"You need to go to Sechrist School of Drama child."

what a good meal! 

Christmas Parade bound with my little Bear.

Happy Birthday Jesus 

This was our Candy Cottage Float

Santa Stop:

Sadly Connor doesn't enjoy the Santa stop anymore.

I was surprised at how disappointed I was when some of the magic was lost but it is all a part of growing up. 

He fully supported his sister.

He helped write her note.

The best part was when Santa read the letter.  Since Connor spelled 'boats' for 'boots', Santa looked totally confused this girly girl wanted a dollhouse, shopkins, and motorized water vessels.  :)

The difference in a letter is a big deal! 

Carlee did meet with Santa while having a complete death grip on her brother's hand.

Thank You Santa for the healthy boundaries! 

Later that month, Olaf made a surprise stop at the daycare for open house! 

Definitely a little more scary than Santa.  ha. ha.

New Cardinal Christmas Lights

(Our home is a blend of Cardinal and Bears.)

Reindeer Food

Lucky the Reindeer found our home with no problem.

Happy New Year

Christmas Traditions

One thing that make the holidays so great- family traditions!

We really get excited.

Tree decorating.

I don't know what happened to all of our trees but when we unpacked- the big one was gone, Carlee's was too small, and Connor did not have a stand!?!

Black Friday Tree Shopping began immediately.  

No real tree for this girl.  Even though I love the smell and look of a real tree, it is not worth the hassle for long holiday workdays.

I love every. single. ornament on our tree! 

They all mean something special to each of us.

Our tree is very simple and only decorated with homemade and gift ornaments with clear lights.

I did get a set of beautiful pastel glass balls for next year (maybe I will use them).  

We love it.

This year we were given a large and beautiful angel but we could not figure out how to light it up with our new tree.

We decided to keep the tiny one until next year.

Christmas Cookies- Iron Chef Edition

Remember this small tot?

She is still eating up all of the cookie dough.

I can't believe she is kindergarten bound next year.

We even had some new cookie cutters this year- Olaf, ugly sweater, and tiara!  

The angel is still a classic.

Commence Decorating (or Eating)

Other than Olaf, who turned out a bit creepy, 

I thought I did pretty good with my cookie decor skills.

Connor took so much time on his cookies, he only decorated a few.  I like his Christmas tree best.

Carlee did Picasso style on her cookies.

This year we included Magic Mail- a gift to us from a friend.  

It was actually really fun but the message does not last long after removed from the freezer.  

This is a Hallmark product but we have plenty of letters left over for next year.  

(ignore my helmet hair).

Until next year! 

Christmas Morning

Christmas is packed up, closets are cleaned out, the Salvation Army received a drop off (as well as my school play area), and we are all ready for the New Year.

Here is a recap of our Christmas morning:

 Rise and Shine:
Connor was taking it old school by asking for an electric football set.

 Although this year C. had major doubts about the guy in the red suit,   :(
he was still just as excited.

the dollhouse was a big hit!! 

 I have dreams of my children coming down the steps in beautiful matching pajamas.  Instead they must dress like they are pool bound every night.

It's the little things.

 Barbie having too much fun in the kitchen.

I don't think Carlee was into these outfits as much as me.

#cute

This girl keeps her excitement a little more under her hat.

see her excitement

 Twinning and Winning

 Carolina Boy-

Stephen Curry

This was the best football- The PassBack

(but not the best football for my headache.)

 

I'm not sure my gag gift was understood- 

but I still laughed like crazy reading the back.

"Diego Aragon plans to seek revenge by turning his profound suffering into Loving Fury.."
(I know I can write this stuff and entertain myself all day.)

 Pioneer Woman

 This glass moose mug was the best!

 This model car was the worst (for me)!  
For my husband's collectors set.

New Plateware

Unexpected-

Beautiful Surprise

Make Me Pretty Sisters

 Don't tell but I've already ordered $$$ more dollars worth to go with my nail gels.

#glitterismymiddlename

The gift that keeps on giving.

 My creative way to package gift cards.

The coolest hamburger hat ever.

A celebration of a friend and acceptance of Jesus Christ in his heart.

The best gift of all!