Christmas this year was busy. But isn’t it every year?
I always tell myself I’m going to simpify the season. I have yet to be successful at this.
Busy as it was, it was wonderful as well.
We had family over, so there were extra presents under the tree, and lots of good memories being made.
Our reenactment of the nativity was chaotic and really funny this year. It involved Natalie playing Mary (and dumping baby Jesus out of the manger), and a sword fighting ninja shepherd named Reid. I’m putting nativity costumes on my to make list for next year. We’ve been using towels for too many years.
The boys left cookies for our Elf on the Shelf as well as Santa. We learned that elves shed glitter when they eat cookies! 😉
The boys were split on what our Elf’s name should be. Owen decided on Jack. The day after, Red changed his name to Red Phantom. haha…I have no idea how he comes up with this stuff.
But…our elf is a peace maker so he goes by both. 😉
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He’s also well behaved. No dips into the sugar bin for this guy.
We didn’t just get some snow, we got A LOT of snow.
We measured 6-8 inches inches, and after we measured, we got more. 🙂
Natalie was sick for all of Christmas, poor thing. A couple days later, she seemed to be on the mend, so I suited her up and let her experience her first snow.
She was fine at first, and even snacked on it.
Once her hand froze though…she was done.
Speaking of Natalie, she is 9 months!…and walking (a few steps), clapping, and waving. It’s hard to believe she gets around on those tiny legs. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in spunk. She gets into EVERYTHING and is one tough little cookie.
Back to Christmas…
We made 26 snowflakes for Newtown.
The National PTA is going to create a winter wonderland for the students at Sandy Hook Elementary. You can help by making 26 snowflakes and mailing them to them.
For more information and an address of where to send the snowflakes, see this post from MADE.
I was about, oh three days late, but we made bread for our neighbor gifts. I figure, after all that sugar, a nice loaf of bread is most welcome.
I used my favorite bread recipe. As the name implies, it really is the best bread ever. 🙂
This is about half of our batch of breads. Believe it or not but I planned to make even more! I think I believe in myself more than I should sometimes.
And that was our Christmas. Phew!
Well, almost. I still have two more Christmas projects in the queue that I just don’t think can wait until next year.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday. How was it? Did you see snow too?
How funny that Natalie fell asleep randomly. Neither of my kids are good are just falling asleep except for in their bed/crib. Love those notecards you used for the bread and what a great idea about gifting bread. Saving that for next year!
What a lovely family Christmas. You are so blessed. The photo of Natalie getting her hand wet is so precious! I remember when my 17 year old did that when she was a baby!
What a beautiful Christmas. Can I get three cheers on the nativity clothes and will you please post pictures and a tutorial when you do? I think there are about a zillion moms out there who feel the same way about the towels. (Did you see Deseret Book sells a set for WAY expensive?)
Eva- I know! It was out of character for her. We found out later that it was because she was coming down with something. 🙁
The cards are from the dollar bins at Michael's. Love them.
Justine – aww. thanks!
Blogful – Yes! I hope to do that. I'll have to remind myself to get started in November. Great idea and thank you for the motivation!
Beautiful photos! Your baby is getting so big and is as adorable as ever. 🙂
Wonderful pictures. Do you know what's funny, I never had any idea you live in Utah. I always thought you lived in the Northwest, like Oregon or Washington!
I absolutely LOVE your pictures. I wish you could follow my family around taking gorgeous pictures too. 😉
What a beautiful Christmas! I'm living in AZ right now, so I know all about the lack of snow. =(
Homemade bread would be a welcome change after all the sweets… that's a lovely idea. =)
I love your blog and check back often. I first found you when I started following the last PR&P. I literally woke up this AM thinking I am going to email her to tell her I STILL think she should of won. I will think of your designs randomly… like when I made my girls aprons for Christmas (to go with their kitchen) and I was embroidering their name, I thought of those adorable shorts/bloomers you did for Natalie that had all the French knots- I’m still going to make those one day. Just wanted you to know a sister in Christ thinks/prays for you and am thankful you post. Much Love from SD,CA
Lindsay – Thank you so much!
Alison – thank you! I don’t live right in Salt Lake, so maybe that’s why. 😉
Cherie – that would be a fun job. ha!
Charity – thank you. You always have the nicest comments. 🙂
Lisa – wow. thank you so much! I am so flattered! I will definitely have to do a tutorial on those bloomers. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation. Your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me. Hugs to you!
Taking a few steps! That is crazy. My 9 month, almost 10, is right on the edge of taking her first step. I saw her thinking about it this morning even. Most people I know think it’s crazy how active she is. I’m going crazy because of how active she is. I couldn’t imagine that and 2 boys!!!
Beautiful Christmas! We loved being in Utah for Christmas. Hayden was so thrilled to see the snow and to play in it.
Those pics of Natalie in the snow are just too cute. What a doll! I wish I could meet her in person…or have Natalie and Clara meet 🙂
Beautiful photos – especially the ones of the snow. But my fave is the one of Natalie asleep on the floor. Brought back memories of when my kids did stuff like that. 🙂