2011

A few things that made 2011 even better


1. My new squeezebox. The name is a little questionable. Really squeezebox is what they came up with?
None the less, I love it!!! Pandora and all my computer music now plays in my kitchen.



2. My second item is Pandora. How was I so slow to get on this bandwagon? I found Pandora last March and have been hooked since. I especially like my Coldplay channel.



3. Oh dear. They sell this at Costco in two really big jars. Every night around 10:00 I have a big bowl of salad with this dressing. Yum!



4. I also found Kirkland brand grated Parmesan cheese that I put on my salad each night. Double delicious.


5. Although I am very far from being fashionable I do like this store for their stylish but affordable clothing. I saw them last Jan. on a trip to Vegas and am excited that there is one now 20 minutes away rather than 6 hours. Especially since they don't sell any clothes online.



6. I have absolutely no idea if it really helps out the wrinkles that are appearing faster than I would like to admit BUT it makes my skin feel so soft that it is worth it. :)


7. Love this show and thank goodness for Netflix and HULU.

Christmas festivities

Harrison Nativity
All of the grandkids were so cute and did so well this year.

This picture reminds me that everything I ever need is right in front of me. How adorable are they?

Auditions for the Best Christmas Pageant Ever
OR
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth (and a couple bottom ones).
You choose the caption :)



After we got together with Jim's family, Lizzie came home and drew this. It is still on our fridge.

The kids waiting for the go ahead to go downstairs on Christmas morning.

Lilly with her new ladybug boots because one day she will outgrow her "froggie" boots.

Afton and her new Cinderella doll

Jim and his new bike trainer :)


Someone got a new bike for Christmas!
Taken with MY NEW digital camera. Yahoo! Such a crisper picture than the ones above that were taken with my cell phone.


Someone else REALLY LOVES her new bike!

MERRRY CHRISTMAS 2011

Let us adore him

Gotta love the mind of a 3 year old girl (Afton) at Christmas



*I especially like how Gaston is showing off his muscles to baby Jesus

One word...

ADORABLE!

Afton and Lilly
3 1/2 years old
Dec. 2011

Tradition Continues

My dad made amazing gingerbread houses during Christmas as my brother and I were growing up.

Here is our attempt for 2011.


Step 1: Make a mock house out of cardboard


Step 2: Have the master (my dad) help you assemble it

Step 3: Modify it as you decorate because your dog ate the gables one night while you were gone. If you notice the top windows from the cardboard model are gone.
Step 4: Add detail


Step 5: Protect it from the dog who still wants more.....

Nativity Scene

Our kids had a chance to act out the Nativity Scene at a senior center near our house. They were being filmed for Music and the Spoken Word. Filming or not it was the cutest thing to see these neighborhood kids dressed up and act out the nativity scene. I didn't take very many pictures because I didn't want to get in the way of filming.

Lizzie was a beautiful angel and silent narrator.
Ethan was a great shepard.
Afton and Lilly were adorable sheep.

Lizzie right before it started

Ethan and the other shepard with their "sheep"

"Come let us adore him"

December

It is here!!! The Christmas season!!!

Even our dog seems to enjoy the magical glow of twinkling Christmas lights. As soon as the tree goes up he seems to think that the tree skirt is his new nap place. But really who wouldn't want to be under the comfort and peace of a Christmas tree :)





In other Christmas news:
I have on good authority that my childrens 3 Christmas presents from Santa have been picked out.
Jim and I have also gotten them each their annual Caldecott book, pajamas and a special present from parents.

We have Christmas books wrapped ready for one to be unwrapped each night and read together. Stocking are hung by the window with care.

I really enjoy the magic of this time of year. I love the ages my children are at.

As we were putting Christmas stuff up Lizzie kept saying "This is so magical mom!" Ethan is already saying Christmas is going to come so slowly.... (don't we all remember that feeling as a kid?)
And Afton and Lilly, well they just love everything. Lilly keeps saying how beautiful the tree is. Afton, well she has already broken a few ornaments. I know I should be mad but I can't. That age is adorable at Christmas.