Christmas 2010

Christmas came and went so fast around here. It takes so much work getting ready and it is over before I know it. We had good times with our families and feel so lucky to have family close to share the holidays with.

Christmas Eve and the boys getting their pj's.

Christmas breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's. The food was so good.

The kiddos could not wait for their gifts.

My favorite picture. Annie had just had enough!! I love that girl.

It is always wonderful to have Maga and Papa at my parents house for Christmas breakfast.

This kid had enough.

Christmas night we headed to Bentley's for dinner and gifts. The grand kids put on the nativity. James was the angel and made his own star.

The Holidays were wonderful and packed full of fun. I can't believe how tired I am after all of it, and I need to get the second wind to clean up the aftermath.

James' Baptism

I honestly can't believe that I have an eight year old. I look back on the last eight years and I can't believe all that has happened. It was so fun getting James prepared for this day. He was so excited for this day.

I feel so blessed that Brad has the priesthood and was able to baptism and confirm him.

I don't think it gets much better.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Three generations and to have both grandpas there and being witnesses and apart of the confirmation. I wish I would have gotten a picture of all those men that came to support James and were in the circle. It was an amazing sight. It was a wonderful moment as they all circled around my little guy.

***On a side note....doesn't Josh just look like he is cooking up some trouble??***

A Visit with Santa

The love/hate relationship that kids have with Santa is amazing. I love the stages that my kids are at. James is starting to ask ALOT of questions about Santa and how "one person can really go to all those houses in one night". I can see the kids wheels turning as he asks many questions in an effort to figure it all out.

My Joshie can't get enough of Santa, and all things with Santa. How doesn't love someone dropping off presents that you ask for. A true believer.

Jackson could not be more up set with the idea of a big old man with a white beard. He looks at him from a distance, but placed on his lap....meltdown.

Bake Day 2010

It comes around just once a year and it is the true test of ones kitchen abilities. We start early and eager to get things under way. We actually scaled down a bit this year with only two different types of cookies to make instead of the usual 5 different types. the same amount of ambition is needed each and every year.

***First a HUGE shout out to Dodee and Lori for all the hard work and prep. Lori 12 times one recipe. I don't think I could even figure out how to do that. ****

We make the most amazing cookie, my favorite, a sandwich cookie made with sugar cookie dough and frosting in the middle. HEAVEN... Lots of rolling dough and cookie cutters. However, I found the most amazing kitchen gadget that you are able to roll the cookie cutters.

This is the ceremonial use of the tool. Those of us that are always at bake relish anything to make the process abit more slick.
Let me say mission accomplished!!! Happiness all around.

A sampling of some of the goods.

While the ladies were in the kitchen a few men were working to remold a bathroom and the toilet made it to the lawn and Brooke took a little break.

Never a dull moment with Brooke around. That girl can make you laugh!! I love her.

I tried not to disturb.

Another bake day in the books.

Cheers to the pounds of butter, the bags of sugar, and the cups of flour that it takes along with the MANY hands. It is a wonderful tradition.

Thank you Dodee and Lori.

Gingerbread House, Attempt

I try so hard to be a fun Mom. My latest attempt was a wash. I bought this gingerbread house thinking it would be fun to do with the boys, but the idea of Christmas music playing in the back ground with happy boys helping and me with my "June Cleaver" apron and and happy attitude to be in the kitchen was a sorry fantasy. It all looked so good in my head.

The icing bag broken open twice with icing all over the counter. Bags of candy ripped open falling on the floor, and my happy "June Cleaver" attitude quickly vanished. After the icing spilling we only had enough to cover about half the roof.
I always was so impressed when the boys would make their gingerbread houses at pre-school, and I would think to myself...."It can't be that hard. If a pre-school teacher is able to pull it off." Clearly, my appreciation for pre-school teachers once again gets a "those teachers are angels". I figure that I will leave it for teacher to do with my children from now on.