Tuesday, December 29, 2009

It just Can't Be!

My Baby turned 3!

She has been anxiously awaiting this day. It has finally come!! Now she can be 3.

Tessa helping Hudson make her PINK Coconut Cream Pie.


Her birthday dinner on the birthday plate


Some of the party guests -
(even Toby joined in on the party with a window seat)








Gift Opening









Happy Birthday Tessa!



You are a sweet-heart! You bring so much joy to my heart. We love your giggles, snuggles and kisses. We have been blessed by you!!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Memories

Christmas 2009


It was a relaxing day full of fun memories.


Traditionally, we fill the stockings on Christmas Eve. Each stocking gets a book, orange tic tacs, toothbrush, stickers (for the girls), pretties (for the girls), a camping/hunting item (for the boys) and a few other random things.


This year there was a special gift in memory of their Papa Jerry (Brian's dad who passed away in August).
They were Angel ornaments made out of the ties he wore.
So precious!


The children were up WAY early with great excitement. In their excitement, they prepared our breakfast fruit platter, lit candles and set the buffet with little snacks.

At 6:40am, Hudson played Joy to the World on the piano while the rest of the children stood at our bedroom door singing. (Brian and I thought it was cutest thing EVER!) We laughed ourselves out of bed and got ready for the day of celebrating!


Santa flies right over our house and does not stop - in other words there is no Santa in our home.
Lots of Jesus!
We did the last Adornament
(ornaments, each with a name of Jesus. ie: True Vine, Bread of Life, Lion of Judah, Bright Morning Star etc.)

~ ~A few pictures from the day ~ ~


Abbi - a new vest, scrapbook supplies, western belt


Maggie - playmobil vet clinic, doll clothes


Caleb - weightlifting bench, Cabela's gift card


Tessa - doll baby, dress up shoes, puzzles


Dani Rae - a doll and clothes, playmobil chapel


Elizabeth - doll and clothes, playmobil chapel


Weston - spar gear, Ironman watch, Cabela's gift card
Hudson - spar gear, Cabela's gift card


And lots of new games to play!
We are a family that loves the challenge and the time together as we play many different games.

We took our time throughout the day as we opened presents and enjoyed them as we opened.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10,11


May the joy and peace of Jesus be in your hearts!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

"Glory to God in the Highest,

and on earth, peace and good will toward men"
Luke 2:14


May the power of the Holy Spirit fill your heart and may you experience the peace of Christ!

Merry Christmas 
from our family to yours!







Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Candlelight Christmas

at
This is the Place Monument Park

After Thanksgiving, their historical buildings (1840's) in the village are transformed.  Imagine the days of OLD come to life complete with carolers in the street, a live nativity with animals (rats included), a warm bonfire in the middle of town, a visit with Father Christmas, live reindeer, hands-on arts and crafts,  dancing around a holiday tree, and a stroll through the elf village.

Elf Village




Caleb staying warm by the wood burning stove in one of the historical log homes ~ Caleb's "Dream Home"! (My little Mountain Man)

Doing a craft


Me, Tessa and Brian


Caleb, Tessa and Maggie


A train ride around the village


The Mercantile Store - loaded with candy


Elizabeth and Dani playing on the wooden train


Caleb, Hudson and Weston


Daddy and one of his girls - Tessa


The Bonfire


Me, Tessa and Maggie


This lady was popping popcorn over the fire in one of the old homes


Daddy and another one of his girls ~ Elizabeth


The Dance Hall
 We all grabbed a partner, learned the Virginia Reel Dance and joined in on the dancing.
It was unanimous ~ this was the highlight of the evening.


Father Christmas

And his reindeer!


As we were headed to the van, Dani said, "This was the funnest day EVER!"

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Gimme Sugar...

Buttermilk Sugar Cookies!
(note to self: next year don't do sugar cookies right before bed!)
We were bouncing off the walls!! boing~ ~ boing~~

Rolling and Cutting




This is a huge accomplishment for Caleb. He cut a cookie exactly how you are suppose to. You see, he is banned from all cooking. Things are usually burned, ruined or not edible when he is in the kitchen.
However, he is in training - under supervision with me!
There is still hope for the kid.  :)
Way to go Caleb! We are so proud of you.  lol

Dani Rae and Abbi


Time to frost and decorate!
Elizabeth, Tessa, Maggie, Weston


The whole crew


The platter is beginning to fill up with the ever-so-yummy stuff!

Recipe:
Aunt Shannon's Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
Cream together -
3 sticks butter
2 1/2 cups sugar
Add - 
3 eggs slightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla
Mix together - then add
7 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
Add -
3/4 cup buttermilk
***MUST chill overnight. If dough is sticky, add more flour. Bake @350 for 9 minutes or until slightly brown on edges.

Frosting:
1/2 bag powder sugar
1 stick butter, softened
cap full vanilla
1/4 cup milk
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles
Let the fun begin!!