Christmas Traditions

Making cookies for Santa

This year, we went for good ol', from scratch, chocolate chip cookies (with some M&Ms thrown in). We were all decked out, ready to do some baking. Everyone helped add and mix ingredients. Then there was "patient" waiting for them to be cooked. The last batch finished just in time as Popi and Yaya arrived into town!




Santa brings Christmas jommies

Every year, since Beth joined our family, Santa has delivered new jommies Christmas Eve, before bath time. The first year, it was just Beth, then he brought jommies for our family. Last year, Santa started bringing jommies for us AND Popi and Yaya (since they've been at our house every Christmas for the last 3 years). Normally, Santa rings the doorbell and has left a package on our porch. This year, I guess we were having so much fun that we didn't hear the doorbell. We found the package as we were heading outside to leave the reindeer some food. Back inside, the only picture I managed was Beth jumping for joy at her long, pink nightgown. But Christmas morning, we were all decked out in our new, color coordinate jommies.

Reading What God Wants for Christmas

Sometime when Beth was little, I got this interactive story on clearance the day after Christmas. It has proven to be one of the best traditions for our family. The book tells the story of Jesus' birth, in a fun poem, with boxes to open revealing each character of the story. The final box is a mirror- because what God wants for Christmas is YOU!


We have some other traditions, too. I get at least one new piece for my Christmas village every year. This year, I got the clock shop. I get at least one new Christmas every year. I usually choose based on gorgeous artowork or a tender story. I got a few books for the kids, but our special book this year was our Elf on the Shelf. We watch lots of Christmas movies- the Santa Clause series, Polar Express, the old Miracle on 34th, White Christmas. And listen to lots of Christmas music. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

She's getting married

When I picked Beth up from school today, she told me she was going to marry Balis one day. He's a boy from church who is also in her kindergarten class. I asked how she knew she'd marry him. She told me it was a secret. I informed her that she can't have secrets from Mommy (I wonder how long that will hold). So, she says it's because she sometimes sits by him at library and they play together sometimes at recess. We'll have to work on what she'll look for in a future husband, but this is a good start.

In other Beth cuteness- she got her first report card today. We were so proud of her. In trying to figure out an appropriate reward, we asked what she'd like. Without hesitation, she told us she'd like more Magic Tree House books. That's my girl! We've been enjoying reading the handful of books we have. Then, we go online where she takes a short quiz about the book to earn a "stamp" for her MTH "passport". After nap today, we headed for the bookstore where she got 3 more books and a research guide (more information on a subject covered in one of the stories). I'm so proud that she loves reading!

Christmas at the Hales (round 1)

For the past few years, we've had Christmas celebrations with Kevin's family the weekend before Christmas. It really helps that the kids aren't so overwhelmed within a couple days right at Christmas. And, it gives us more time to enjoy visiting as opposed to worrying about being on time for the next location.

It was so much fun watching all the kids (Beth- 5, Jacob- 2, Gracie- 6, Emily- 3) open their gifts. I remember many Christmases getting exactly the same thing as my cousin since we were about a year apart. It's neat to watch Beth and Gracie be exicted about the same gifts, too. Then, having Jacob and all his boy toys is fun among all the pink.
Beth and Jacob have really enjoyed their "pillow pets" (all the kids got one). Pet Pals is Beth's new favorite Leapster game, and the closest she'll come to a real pet for a little while (I have to train Jacob before I worry about training a dog). She is also really enjoying the new rooms for her dollhouse. I think she has them all now- I had to get a bigger storage tub.

Jacob was so excited about all his toys. He especially loved his scooter. That was what he wanted us to open. For the evening, I held him off with Thomas the Train blocks and Little People firetruck and ambulance. Now that all the toys are put away at home, everyday is like a new discovery of the toys again. What fun!

Don't worry, it's not all about the kids. Grandma and Grandpa got to open their own stacks of gifts. Then, everyone got stockings (that's where the good stuff is for Mommy and Daddy!)

Also in those stockings were "whistles" (yes, I know they're really recorders) for all the kids. They had SO much fun! We decided they were best to be played with in the sunroom, with the door closed. You know, so we could get all the wrapping paper trash cleaned up. Yea, that's it.

As always, we eat too much and go for seconds, then head for the dessert. So, a walk to look at lights is in order. Once again, Grandpa was awarded 1st place for his decorations. They're so fun to look at. One year they won, it was because of Grandma's inside decorations that could be seen through the big picture window. These people LOVE Christmas, and it shows! I think I fit into the family nicely because of that.

Staying the night gave the kids a chance to try out their new roller skates and scooter. It was so much fun! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great Christmas celebration weekend!

Are you ready for football?

At Beth's Awana program at church, they earn points for completing lessons, attendance, bringing their Bible, etc. Then, right before Christmas, they spend points in the "store" to buy Christmas gifts for their families. Beth did a great job picking things out for us! I got a purple blanket, Kevin got a tape measure, and Jacob got a nerf football.

He's in love with that football. In fact, he slept with it in his bed a couple nights.

Kevin has really enjoyed trying to teach the kids some football plays.

Jacob just grins ear to ear while they play!

What Christmas looks like at our house

Well, the decorations are already put away, but here it is anyway. I LOVE Christmas! I have 17 tubs of decorations and dishes. Yes, that's right, I have 17 tubs that are at least 18 gallon size. Here's a little of what our house looks like while we enjoy the Christmas season.

Most of the decorations are contained in 4 rooms, but I'm working my way to have every room decorated, even just a little.

Visiting Santa

The kids wrote their letters to Santa, and we decided to take them to him at the mall. They were pretty excited. Beth kept talking about how brave she is now and not scared of him anymore. Waiting in line, before we could see him, Jacob told me "he's prolly at North Pole." Then, there he was, it was our turn, they were in awe. They handed him their letters. Beth had resquested a snake book, an American Girl doll that looks like her, a pink fishing pole and treats in her stocking. Jacob asked for a "puppy that says 'ruff-ruff'", cars, Lightning, Buzz and Woody.

Beth happily sat on Santa's lap. I had to put Jacob up there, but he didn't fuss. For once, he was actually quiet and still. Beth voiced her requests, adding the puppy to the list. Santa told the kids that the North Pole was too cold for puppies to live there, so he doesn't bring puppies. Good stuff! Jacob took some prompting, but he finally told Santa that he wanted a puppy and trucks.

It went really well. I'm hoping for a smile from Jacob next year. Santa gave them both coloring books, and the kids talked about it all day.

Photoshop is fun!

I know, I haven't posted Christmas stuff. There's lots of it for you to enjoy. Instead, I've been discovering my Photoshop Elements program. A friend told me about some "action sets" I can download to tweak photos. I'm having fun, and I still have so much to learn!

Here's before and afters side by side:

Original ~~~ No noise

Original ~~~~ Oh the Drama

Original ~~~ Color boost

Original ~~~ Sharpening