A Merry Christmas, Darling

Blogging about Christmas can be overwhelming... I think I usually skip it for that very reason! There are so many great memories made, so many things I don't want to forget.

The kids were excited for their "big" gifts. Cayson got an EZ Roller which, due to our cold snowy weather, he hasn't been able to ride yet. Taryn got a play kitchen (that I bought used).

We had to stop mid-present opening to open all the windows and doors. My bubble bread had exploded and nearly caused a fire in the oven. Oops! Thankfully, the bubble bread was salvageable and eaten by all. Cayson was kind enough to remind me that the same thing happened last year.

I tell you, she's a pistol!

The best picture that I got of them dressed in front of the tree... fail.

As I mentioned, we hosted my family for Christmas dinner. I was very happy to get to cuddle my new nephew!

We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus with all the kiddos getting a cupcake and candle to blow out.

Grandma did not mind cuddling Mister Brady either! He was definitely fought over as he's so squishy and cuddly!

More presents to open! The kids made out like ornery little bandits with guns, movies, dolls, books and more.

Taryn loves her new cousin... and tries to hold him at every possible opportunity!

Our Christmas was rather laid back. We spent the afternoon/evening playing games and relaxing. It was a wonderful day spent with family!

Ready for Christmas!

I am making way in my Christmas prep.... fudge has been made (2 kinds!), Jesus' birthday cucpcakes baked and decorated, cookies and candy completed and presents all wrapped up. Now, I'm in the midst of the last minute prep - making rolls for Christmas Day, cleaning house, preparing for the snow, prepping my dishes for Christmas dinner and so on. So much hustle and bustle this time of year and I love it!

Here are a few pictures we snapped yesterday as we were dressed up from church.

I caught a fighting sibling moment between the kids.... ha ha. I was getting on to them and then decided to just snap a pic. It didn't take them but a second to start smiling for the camera.

I am so grateful for these blessings from God! He has indeed blessed us immeasurably beyond our expectations. Life is not always easy, but it could always be harder. Right?

Wishing you a blessed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as we celebrate the birthday of our Rescuer, our Savior.

Then and Now- Christmas

I had to pull out a comparison photo from last Christmas of the kids. Same dress and flower on Taryn, different year! I am glad we got two years of use out of her darling dress from Charming Necessities.

2011

2012

Cookie Making Memories

My granny always made homemade sugar cookies with my sister and I... every Christmas. It is such a fun memory! I want to carry it on with my kids though the mess of it all is scary to me! This year, we attempted our first sugar cookie experience and it went smoothly. I did one-on-one for the rolling out and cutting. The kids decorated with sprinkles together. Maybe when we have a bigger kitchen, we can do it all at once!

Sugar overload- these cookies definitely aren't lacking in the sprinkle department!

Ice Skating Experience

Dusty and I let Cayson choose a family Christmas activity to do - between sledding at the ballpark or ice skating downtown. He surprised me by picking ice skating. Off we went on Tuesday afternoon to attempt a family skate. It went fairly well though it is a lot harder holding up kids and trying to stay upright yourself. I got a good workout!

Cayson loved, loved, loved ice skating. I was very proud of him. He kept falling but he just got up and kept trying. His natural temperament would be to give up when he doesn't excel but he kept going. My heart burst. He can't wait to go back and practice more and I can't wait to take him back!

After ice skating, we checked out the Devon Tower Christmas decorations. Amazing and over-the-top!

We met a dear friend in Bricktown for dinner and then walked around looking at their lights. It was so much fun! We had a great family Christmas night!

Sunday's Best- Christmas Edition

Yesterday was our church's Christmas celebrations... so the kids donned their Christmas-y outfits for the occasion which made or great photo ops for this mamarazzi!

Cayson all ready for church. He asked me to snap a pic before church. :)

Siblings at church. It was so painful that Momma made them stand still for a few pictures before church, you know.

Taryn and her BFF, Gracelyn, wore coordinated outfits (by chance) so I got a few pictures of the sweet girls in Sunday School.

We attempted a Momma/Taryn picture after church. For some reason, we both ended up squatting down. Awesome.

Final attempt at pictures post-church and lunch. Taryn modeled the sled here. And somehow, she ended up with this baby got back pose?!? What?!?! Then, she requested a picture with her daddy. Love her HUGE cheesy grin!

Finally, a full family shot. I'll take it - even if Taryn is frowning.

Joy to the World. The Lord has come. Let earth receive her King.