December 2013 in all it's glory

So I was looking at my blog...I really need to manage my time better!!!  Anyway I decided that one of my resolutions should be to at least do a post once month. Maybe I can muster that!!!

Since I didn't even post December here's a picture tribute to the craziness that is December...

December 3rd I had the opportunity to see Donny & Marie in concert in OKC. It was a Girls Night outing and we had a lot of fun!!!

One Saturday we baked & frosted cookies. 

I just love my little helpers!

Then it was time for the "winter" parties as school. I call them Christmas parties and I always will. I'm a rebel like that. Anyway - 2 parties fortunately at 2 different times. Next year I will not be as lucky, but at least the parties will still be in the same school.

Next it was the ICE storm. Yes, that is my tree missing it's limb...

That was quickly followed by throwing reindeer food into the yard because SANTA is coming!!!!

Look at the presents Santa left us...

 

Notice Santa remembered the eye protection!

For me one of my favorite family traditions is the abundant Italian buffet we have with our family & friends. 2013 was the last Christmas with our friend Kalin as he will be on his mission this time in 2014. These pictures don't even do it justice!!!!

After Christmas we were able to have floor seats at an OKC Thunder game. OH MY, if you EVER have the chance...do it. Such an amazing way to see a game!!!!

Love my THUNDER!!!!

We ended the year by going to Wichita to retrieve the kids who had fun without us!

HAPPY 2014!!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I'm thankful for "the most wonderful time of the year"! I think the only thing that would make it better is if I were at the "happiest place on earth" during the "most wonderful time of the year". Yes, that is a hint that I'd like to take a trip to Disney World, but I digress...

I love this time of year! I don't particularly like the cold, but I do like a crisp fall/winter morning. I like that most people this time of the year take the focus off of themselves and place it on others. Except maybe when driving, but most of the time in the stores and other places they are thinking of others. Since having kids we "adopt" a child to buy a Christmas present for so the kids get into the habit of exhibiting charity and service. We take drives to look at Christmas lights. We decorate, bake and do a million things in the name of Christmas. I think we do it because the Savior is so dear to us, we want everyone else to feel His love. I hope you get to feel His love this season, but remember it's available to us all year long.

Christmas Traditions

While Christmas was a bit different from years past we tried to hang on to a few of our traditions.

Christmas Eve dinner the past couple of years has included sliced brisket & ribs from a restaurant here in Norman, Ray's Smokehouse , which is always a hit with our family! Followed by the kids sprinkling reindeer food in our front yard so Santa's reindeers can find our house. (Thank you teachers for doing this! What fun!)

Then we head inside to read the Christmas Story from the New Testament Luke Chapter 2. Finally this is the signal they need to head to bed.

Usually Christmas morning involves us getting them up. Not this year! This year they were excited to see what Santa brought them.

Then comes the handing out of the gifts. Since Robert can read this part of the day goes A LOT faster!

Lauren didn't understand that she could have more than 1 gift. She told him "no I already have 1" when he tried to give her another box.

Since Christmas was on Sunday this year we headed to church. That was a treat with beautiful music and a speaker from Sweden who was in town visiting his daughter's family. What a delight to have a General Authority from our church in Norman on Christmas.

When we got home our Kansas family was there followed shortly by our Pawnee family. Scott made his traditional homemade Italian feast which was topped off by the most incredible Italian Creme cake made by our awesome friend!!! While we missed having Dad there we enjoyed the company of our family and friends. We are so thankful for each of them.

I think our traditions are what can keep those who have passed on close to us.

May you have a happy 2012!