Christmas Review

 The kiddos on the Sunday before Christmas.

 Kate's teacher gave the kids little bags with little treasures in them, like these glasses.

On Christmas Eve we decided since we were alone and we make the rules that we would go out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants the Patio.

Our Nativity. Sam as Joseph, Kate as Mary and big baby as baby Jesus. Joseph was a little uncooperative this year.

Christmas jammies.

Leaving treats out for Santa.

We attempted to make tents this year for the kids via Pinterest and they were cool for about a second. We need to make some tweaks and maybe they'll be up and running again. I was just getting so sick of them getting frustrated with the whole blanket over the chair thing and thought this would be awesome. Time will tell I guess.

 The kids waiting patiently on Christmas morning.

Opening presents. Kate makes the best facial expressions. It does make you feel like you got it right even though she pointed out that Santa didn't bring her one thing on her list but that she was still happy. Maybe next year she will ask for more realistic toys and then Santa would be more than happy to comply.

This is probably old news, but I wanted to mention it on here for history's sake, a few days before Christmas we were able to find out the sex of the newest Stephens family member and found out that we will be having another girl. We are so excited and we are so grateful to have this chance again. The kids are really excited to have a little baby around the house and this little girl better be preparing for the love and lack of personal space that is coming her way. 

Needless to say, 2013 will an eventful one.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a wonderful New Year!

A Pinterest Christmas

Since we have had Kate we have celebrated (which technically means we lived there) Christmas in our hometown with our parents 3 of the six years. Why? Because for us that is the best time to make huge life decisions. So we were usually in transit to move or trying to figure out our next move. 

Anyway this year I could focus a little more on our life at Christmas and what that will look like. Pinterest has really helped inspire me, here are some ideas I actually put into action believe it or not. 

A felt tree for the kids with the hope that they would keep their hands off mine. Has it worked? Eh, not really, but whatever. Pin found here.

A fuzzy jar. My attempt at trying to get the kids more into the spirit of giving/sharing/helping/being nice at Christmastime. Our goal is to have the tree filled by Christmas. The excitement has died down but whenever I say "Thanks for doing that, go put a fuzzy in the jar," Kate jumps at the chance. The red bag was assembled to hold the fuzzys because the bag they came in was a mess. It was freestyled by me, so don't look too close. Pin found here.

And here is a Pin I'd like to do here, but I can't make up my mind about fabric and details.

And another one here but I'm waiting on the stockings to be done, to use the scraps. So you know where that's headed.

Will the above two happen? Doubtful, but there is always next Christmas and a whole nother list of Pinterest crafts.

On This Day...

Five Years Ago

Kate was about five months old and I did an impromptu Christmas photo shoot with her. 

It was before she knew what candy was and mom could still have a choice in what she wore. I also hadn't dropped my camera twenty times so I could still take good pictures.

That baby now, five years older. Where does the time go?

Today I am super grateful for my children, especially this one. As I watched her run towards my arms after school today, I hugged her and I didn't want to ever let go. Can I just keep them safe and sound in my little nest forever?

Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses

This Saturday we made "gingerbread houses."
There were tears, some frustration, houses being built, houses falling down, bags of candy spilled on the floor, happiness, good family fun, candy and lots of loud chewing from the kiddos savoring every morsel like this is the last time they will ever eat candy.

 

The final product: Dad's/Sam's, Mom's and Kate's.

Our Daisy Scout

Kate is an official Daisy Scout and had her "Investiture" on Friday.

It is so fun and interesting to watch her grow and see what she chooses, good or not so good.

She is an awesome girl.

We will be selling Girl Scout cookies this year, so if you are looking for a dealer, I know a pretty cute one.

Christmas Set Up

Last weekend we:

Picked out our Christmas tree.

Pulled out all of the decorations.

Had some creative differences.

Decorated the tree.

Attempted to put lights on our house.

Gave Santa their Christmas lists and he knew their names. I think that's why they were so happy.