Happy New Year, 2011

Happy New Year! We stayed home and watched movies because the stomach flu hit our house. First, Jordan started, then Bobby. It was a rough day! Having a quiet night at home was just what the doctor ordered....

New Year's Day was spent at the Primary Activity that morning. I tried to clean up my messes from Julia's party that afternoon, and then that evening made some delicious soup and bread for dinner. Happy New Year wishes!!

Happy Birthday, Juju!

My lovely daughter is four. Boy, was it hard to decide who to invite... between two preschool classes, she has a few friends! I introduced Julia to "Fancy Nancy" and she loves it! We decided to have a Fancy Nancy Birthday party!







Looking so fancy, darling! We had a boutique where each girl went "shopping" then had some cupcakes, parfaits, and presents. I think Julia was overwhelmed by it all; she kept saying- "I'm not bigger." and "I'm not four!" We had such a good time!

Christmas 2010

Our Family's Nativity!

Julia and I in our match-y aprons! Love them!

My kids in their Christmas Jammies and their "Scentsy Buddies" ready for bed Christmas Eve!

Jordan Opening his Chess set!

Julia on her bike!

Me- opening a gift for Logan that was wrapped twice by Jordan!

Christmas was fantastic. We spent the morning making Sugar Cookies, then Ryan took the older kids to the movie while I stayed home and prepared for the big night! We visited my parents and had Christmas Eve dinner: Prime Rib that was to die for! Everything was delicious. We came home and opened Pajamas, read the Christmas story, put out cookies for Santa, and put the kiddos to bed. Needless to say; Ryan and I didn't sleep much. We were too busy helping Santa with his projects! My kids woke us up at 5 a.m. I tried to get them to go back to sleep for ONE more hour; but to no avail! Ryan was too excited. So we got all of them up- Ryan even woke up Logan and brought him downstairs. Thank goodness for naps! Christmas Morning was all excitement and fun. Oh, how I love Christmas.

Party With The Nelsons...

Dave- determined to win it!

Brian- the Chocolate Unicorn!

Bobby- moving the cookie from his forehead into his mouth!

This pic makes me laugh- Grandpa was going to TRY to be flexible...

It worked better for the younger generation....

So, because of the success of the Day family party; we decided to do the same with the Nelson family! We had a fun night of challenges, then dressed our best for the Nativity:

My angel: Julia

Me: Donkey. Logan: Dove .

And then there were presents:

Such a fun night. I love my family.

Just Add Water...

A lot of boxed recipes have instructions that are basic. Such as, "Just Add Water." Well, for weeks before the big day, I "warned" Julia that we would be curling her hair for church the week before Christmas. We bought this pretty little navy blue dress together at the store; and because we bought it together, I knew she would wear it. Lately, this girl has been so picky that if she says she won't wear it, she won't. Don't plan on it. She's not even four, yet. So, we curled her hair. We put on the beautiful dress. And if you add curls to this girl's hair, you get:

Tears. Sad tears. And me? I just smiled. Someday I will tell her the story.

Party with the Days...

Darren knocking over cups with a yo-yo... we all laughed until we cried...

So, for the Day family party, we got together at our house for a new family picture, some yummy food, and some fun games; since I was planning the party we did Minute to Win it Challenges that turned out to be hilarious.

Glenn Picking up keys!

Chelsea winding up for the win!


Johnny Apple Stack- it was harder than it looked!
Thanks for the laughs, Day Family!!

The Nutcracker!

I took my girl to the Nutcracker this year! Grandma Nelson came with us, and we really had a great evening! After the Ballet we went to Olive Garden- and there you have it- a new tradition I hope to keep for a long time!

Up to?

What have we been up to? Lots. I love the Christmas season. I love the music, the tastes, the sights, the smells, everything. It's just not Christmas if we haven't made Gingerbread men.

Or had a visit with Santa:

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!