Christmas Day

Having been out of the blogging world for some time now, I find it hard to put into words a good description of our Christmas day. Can that really happen? Can a person become rusty at writing in just one month? Regardless, I feel it important to say something about one of the most magical days of the year...even if I can't word it perfectly.

It was super fun to watch Gracie experience Christmas with a little more understanding than last year. She took all day to open her presents, savoring each one, which helped the magic linger throughout the day. Jeff and I had no surprises in store, but it was great to see Josh, Jamie, and Kara get unexpected gifts. Throw in game playing, candy munching, and turkey dinner eating and you have the whole day in a nutshell.

Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Eve. It all started when we woke up at my Mom's house to the smell of her biscuits and gravy breakfast being cooked. After scarffing that down, Grace opened her presents from Mamaw.


We hurriedly packed all of our stuff BACK into the car and set off for Price before a snow storm moved in. I had a huge melt down when part of Grace's Christmas present, a mirror, broke in the car. Thank heavens there is a Wal-Mart in every town... even Price. We spent the middle part of the day just hanging out and enjoying the company of our family. In keeping with tradition, we ate sandwiches and snacks just before beginning the evening program and the crepe paper ball. Grace opened and modeled her fancy jammies. Once the kiddies were in bed, the grown-ups put out the last of their presents and set the scene for Santa to stop by.

So Much Love...

Grace is one lucky girl! She has so many people who love her dearly. We were grateful to have the opportunity to meet with her Birthmom and Birthgrandmother during our visit to Utah. We spent some time at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where we exchanged gifts and chatted. We also took a stroll around Temple Square to see the lights. It was only 2 years ago that she gave us the GREATEST Christmas gift imaginable...a baby girl. This gift just keeps on giving!

Give Me Glitter!

What are you usually doing at 1 a.m.? There were no sugarplum fairies dancing in my head this particular night. I tossed and turned and finally got up to do something crafty. I bought these reindeer for $1 a piece at a yard sale, and I knew they had a fabulous side screaming to be seen. Add some glue and glitter and they took on a whole new attitude! (And I was finally tired enough to fall asleep.) Mission accomplished.

Wishing You a Sweet Holiday Season

Off the Grid

I haven't so much as looked at a blog in 2 weeks! How am I still alive? (Prior to this hiatus Jeff told me if I were a country singer my name would be "Kenny Bloggins.") With the holidays in full swing, I found myself quite busy. It's time for some power blogging! Now begins my Reader's Digest version of the Hunt Happenin's. Starting with...

{December 7th}
We all bundled up and went to see the temple lights. Grace was amazed! It has been so fun to see her enjoy all of the wonderment of Christmas for the first time.

Beanie Babies

Grace contimplates the birth of the Christ child.

Our Temple

My Loves

This is how Grace likes to ride around.

The Gift of Christmas Past

I was rummaging through old pictures (on a quest to see if Grace and I look alike at her age) and I came across these BEAUTIES!

I blieve I was 5 years old here. I totally remember helping to pick out the tree and stringing the popcorn garland each Christmas. Sadly, some of the popcorn made it to my belly and not "The Bid Show." Good times. I am lovin' the dress and belt!

Same year as before, WAY worse outfit! It apears that I have a sweatshirt over a bathing suit?? Why would I sport a swim suit in the winter? Silly kid! I love how this picture is all about me...William who?? (My mom's best friend's son.) I wish my legs still looked that thin. BLARG!

What the heck Mom? My little cousin (in the next picture) and I were thrilled to get life size dolls. Her doll was beautiful and blond (just like her)......mine......WELL.... Is that the best she could do? (I am totally kidding Mom.) All that matters is that I LOVED it.

Age: 7 Aunt Lisa, Kelly, Mom, and I at Mamaw's.

Age: 8 (Florida) Who didn't love puffy paint?

Deck the Halls

With all of my posts being about the "Walk" challenge, I figured the blog could do with some pictures. I have most of the decorating done around here, and for the first time we included the outside. I am really pleased with the outcome considering the budget. Everything was either bought on clearance or at a yard sale. It's fun to see all of the items I have gathered throughout the year make an appearance. I experienced a form of Christmas when I was pulling everything out...so many things I had forgotten about. (Did anyone else noticed that rhymed?) Enough babble, on with the show...

Some of the details of Grace's tree. I LOVE it!

A bird's eye view.

The canopy.

As you can see, tinsel everywhere. What a festive sparkle it brings!

The tree. In 4 years I still haven't found the right topper!

Entry table. I love the picture of baby Jesus.

Plaid wrapping paper adds drama behind my pottery collection.

The little t.v. cabinet.

Wrapping a picture is a nice festive touch.

Your family could be seen here. PLEASE send me your Christmas cards!



The view of the tree from the window.

Welcome

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