Christmas Continued!

We had a blizzard yesterday, so the kids and I were out playing out in the snow and I just got the opportunity to download the pictures of Christmas today.

As I said on the last post, we had a wonderful Christmas. Here are some shots of Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Here is Ian putting out the cookies and milk for Santa.

The tree right after Santa left.

And Christmas morning!

The day after Christmas, we visited our next door neighbors for a play date. Anya gave herself a mustache.

Christmas

Here is a small preview of our Christmas. The kids were very happy with their gifts! We had a very nice and abnormally quiet day! I love entertainment that doesn't make a lot of noise!
Hopefully I will be able to put mote pictures up soon.

First snow!

The kids and I went out and played in the first snow of the winter this year! We were out there for about three hours. We had snowball fights, took a walk, and went sledding! When we were done, we had hot chocolate for the second time today. I love having the opportunity to spend such great time with my kids.

P.s. the first hot chocolate was this morning with breakfast while looking out at the snow.

Celebrating Christ with Family

This weekend we celebrated Christmas with my Mother-in-laws side of the family. I was in charge of hosting the Christmas dinner this year, a first for me. I think that it went very well. After spending two days in the kitchen, we all enjoyed a very big dinner! I of course wanted all the traditional foods, so I made a ham for the first time. I was a little nervous, but I found a recipe on-line and it turned out perfect! For appetizers we had shrimp cocktail, a veggie tray, a cheese tray, and deviled eggs. We had ham, green bean casserole  home made mac-n-cheese, mashed cauliflower (in place of mashed potatoes), and a salad for the main meal. Lastly, for desserts, we had brownies with and without nuts, banana bread, apple pie, mini M&M cookies, and whipped cream to top it off! Everything but the whipped cream was baked by me.

Out in the garage, John set up a Lego table for the kids to play with. He also set up a craft station in which I cut out some reindeer print outs for them to put together around a toilet paper roll. They were pretty cute!

Deb's sisters helped clean up after dinner, so there wasn't too much to do after they left. I was very grateful. As the evening came to an end, the sky was a beautiful pink!

Bunco

About three years ago I was greeted into a group of wonderful ladies as a substitute in a Bunco game. I have been a regular substitute since then. Unfortunately, one of the women can no longer play because of her work schedule. BUT, I was asked to join the group in her place! I am very excited to have the opportunity to be part of this group that has been around for 75 years.
I actually get to host next months meeting! I am very excited to be doing this too! I love hosting parties, so this should be very enjoyable. We had our Christmas Bunco last night and had a great time. Here is a group shot of all of us.

I am Thankful for...

Gaming boys:

Beautiful Smiles:

Good Appetites:

Unique bird food:

Family:

Frisbee:

Good conversation:

Family games:

Musical interests:

New Friendships:

Food and helpful people:

I am so grateful for all the wonderful things in life that God has provided!

Christmas decorations!

We are getting in the Christmas spirit early this year! We put up the tree a week and a half ago. The kids and I are carrying on my childhood tradition by making paper chains. We hung them on the railing of the stairs.