Christmas 2012

We began our Christmas festivities by delivering meals to elderly shut-ins in the community.  The recipients were so delighted to see these little "elves" {as they were called} delivering some Christmas cheer along with their food. I really wanted to offset the "gimme gimme" focus with an opportunity to do something for others.  This was such a rewarding experience that I hope will feed the desire to serve others.

 

We did make some time for Gingerbread House making.  This year we cheated a bit and used graham crackers:}

 We made sure Stewey got some Christmas cheer as well as a little treat.

 The girls opened their PJ's and books they have come to expect from Mom & Dad {although they are still just as excited to open them}

 We tracked Santa's whereabouts.....

 And then sprinkled the magic Reindeer dust in the freshly falling snow....a white Christmas after all:}

And of course we put out our Santa key before nestling the children in bed:}

Christmas morning began at 5 am when Karsyn woke up sick:{  After she crawled in our bed, we all slept until 8 am....a little late for us, but much more reasonable than 5.  What started out looking like this....

Eventually looked like this....thank goodness!  Major bummer to be sick on Christmas:{

 The girls lined up on the stairs .....

Our girls are always excited, but are not the kind of kids that just run in and tear it up.  They don't act overly impressed initially....pretty casual at first.....but the excitement grows as the morning/day go on. Bailee had wished for books, and lotions/gels.  Seriously ...that was it!!  Santa brought her a few other things like a speaker for her ipod, snowshoes, swimsuits, and a phone.  She didn't ask for a phone, nor has she ever.  But Santa felt that it was a good idea as she is becoming slightly more independent.  Bailee may be the only kid out there who has to have a phone "forced" on them;}  Even though she didn't ask for it, she was still thrilled and even played around on it a bit.  Karsyn had requested a puppy this year.  In fact, she said that was the ONLY thing she really wanted.  Although Santa felt that she deserved a puppy, he made the call that this was not the best time for such a gift.  She received a cute little buddy of the stuffed sort....for now.  I know she was disappointed, but didn't act it.  She had some other nice gifts to offset that.  She got a new bike, DS game, Wii bucks, LEGOS, RC Helicopter, games and more.  Emmrey desperately wanted a Marble Ramp.  Santa left her one and she was thrilled!  She also got a changing table with accessories, a pink sled, AG camping set and twin baby girls.  By the time she opened gifts from grandparents and cousins, she had a total of 4 new babies in the family....YIKES!!  Needless to say, she was in baby heaven.  These girls must have been pretty darn good this year..... 

Now we can just relax for the rest of our break.....yeah!!  I love this time at home doing whatever we want...no schedules. Our girls always play really well together during these breaks too....so as long as that keeps up, I will certainly not be anxious for school to start again!!  

Best Wishes for 2013