Teenage Joy!

Christmas Fun

                                            Intense game of Wii outdoor adventure
                                    Long hours of playing the Wii and relaxing
                                                              Eating good food

Cooking Caroline

Caroline received cake decorating lessons for Christmas.  She was excited to try out the new tips and she decorated our Christmas cake.  She did such a good job--- perhaps she doesn't need the class.:)

Christmas morning!

Christmas breakfast--Jake is wearing the crown from the English Christmas crackers.
                                                            Interesting presents

                                                           Favorite presents

Christmas Eve

                                                                 Christmas PJ's
                                              Christmas Eve at Opa's and Oma's

Gingerbread House

Each year we put together and decorate a gingerbread house.  Some years we do the individual graham cracker houses or make original ones from scratch.  This year I just bought a costco gingerbread kit because of cost (less than 10.00) and because it is less work and it includes everything.  Joseph said,"This is funner than vacation".  Caroline had fun putting on the finishing touches with the icing.  

Snow Pudding

When I was younger and there was a fresh snowfall, my mom would let us make snow pudding.

Basic recipe:  1 bowl fresh white snow(never yellow snow!)

   sugar to taste

   1/2 tsp vanilla

I loved it as a child probably because of the sugar.  It snowed today and as I look out on the sparkly white snow I wondered whether snow was indeed safe to eat.  After googling the question and reading a few articles I think I will still let my children catch snowflakes on their tongues but no more bowls of snow pudding.  One article I read said, "licking a little snow is OK....a meal of snow is not."  I guess it is time to retire this recipe. :(

First Snowman of the Season

Joseph and I had a great time making this snowman today.  You can't see them but Joseph gave the snowman pockets so he could carry his action figures and toys.

Busy December

It is always a busy time in December.  I love going to all the children's concerts. We still have the piano recital to go to next week. Yeah!!  Josh has been very busy working for BYU catering at various Christmas parties this year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!!!

Happy Birthday Natalie, Nat, Nad, Natapatata!!!!

Things we love about Natalie:

1. She is passionate about the things she is involved in.

2. She love to accomplish her goals.

3. She is sensitive to those around her.

4. She loves to be comfortable(clothes, blankets, shoes,etc).

5 She loves the Lord and tries to do what is right.

6. She is a great example to her brothers and sister.

7. She loves to read.

8. She leaves nice notes on peoples pillows.

9. When she cleans she does a great job.

10 She does not give up.

11 She loves her family.

12  She is a tradition enforcer--if Mom forgets, guess who reminds her.

13 She is beautiful both inside and out.

14 She makes up funny words for things.

15 She is very opinionated.

16 She is very competitive--watch out on the soccer field.

17  She is fun to be around.

18 She loves to give hugs.

19  She is a little bit of a tease.

20 She is very observant with her big beautiful eyes.

21  She is a talented creative writer.

22 She is a great little actress.

MOST IMPORTANT WE LOVE THAT SHE IS IN OUR FAMILY!!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 

               WE LOVE YOU NATALIE.

Wordfull Wednesday--My Favorite Christmas Songs

I enjoy listening to all types of Christmas music.  I love the spirit the songs brings into my home.  My two favorites are "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night".  Both of these songs, whether song by a choir or by a small child makes my soul soar and my skin tingle.  I wish I could sings these as beautifully I feel them in my heart.  I have fond memories of the song "Silent Night".  As a child in Michigan my parents would load the family up on Christmas Eve with bottles of honey from our bees to deliver to our friends and neighbors.  No matter the weather or chill factor,  we sang carols at the door of each recipient.  My father who served his mission in Switzerland always sang "Silent Night" in German as we sang together.  I loved hearing his deep voice singing this song in it's original form.  

Like my sister Alison, I also love the songs in the movie The Muppet Christmas Carol, especially "It feels like Christmas" and "Bless us All".  This movie is both a touching and fun version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

More wordfull Wednesday--here

On your Mark, Get set, Go!!!!

Well begun is half done

Aristotle

My children dread doing their Saturday chores.  In their minds they seem like insurmountable and never ending tasks. I decided to time them and give a prize to each person who finished their jobs in one hour.  All the children claimed a prize. It was eye opening for them to see that their chores really did not take as long as they thought.   I have had the same mental block with cleaning my bathroom.  I timed myself today and was able finish in 20 minutes which is good considering it is fairly large. ....Where is my prize?

Recent Passings

I was sadden when I heard the news that Elder Wirthlin had passed away.  He is my father's first cousin, but more importantly he was my father's close friend.  I looked forward to and loved his talks and the messages he gave.  He was a great spiritual leader and man.  I loved his last conference talk, "Come what may and Love it".  I also came across a great message in an old Ensign he wrote where he tells a story about "Snowman".  I will share this story with my family for our advent activity tonight.  12 hours after hearing the news about Elder Wirthlin, my father recieved a call that his brother who had been ill passed away.  Eventhough Uncle Ralph always lived far away I loved hearing stories about him from my Dad and Aunt. I also loved it when he visited and cooked up a storm.  Dad, know that we are thinking of you and our hearts are reaching out to you at this time. 

  

 Elder Wirthlin said, "One of the great comforts of the gospel of Jesus Christ is our knowledge that this earthly existence is merely a twinkle in the eye of eternity.  Whether we are at the beginning of our mortal journey or at the end, this life is merely one step--one small step."  

Christmas Activity Advent Calendar

This year instead of putting prizes or candy in our advent calendar, I am putting a scripture and an activity in it.  Yesterday I put each person's name on small pieces of paper and we drew names to be secret elves to for the week.  Today, I will put a tiny book inside and then we will unwrap a Christmas book to read.  Tomorrow I will put a stamp inside and we will all help with the Christmas cards; stamping, stuffing, licking etc.  When we have a concert or party to attend, that will be the activity for that day.  Other things I may include as activities are crafts, service projects, more stories, Christmas movies, driving around to look at the lights, caroling, and baking.   I am excited to try out this "new" advent calendar. Hopefully this will help us draw closer as a family as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.