Day 23

 

Today we had an amazingly awesome day!!  First, we went to some of our very best friends house!!!!  We opened presents....

 

Rudolph!!

She wants to put these Christmas PJs on now!!

Elf!

 

These girls have been close for 8 years now!!!

 

 

 

 

Next, we made Christmas Trees from sugar cones!  Frosted with green icing, and topped with candies!

Oh, I just love the background in this pic!!! :)

 

 

Even sweet little A got to make one!!

 

 

BabyGirl was last to finish....look at all those decorations!!!

 

 

T and I made some, too.  Look at us.  I have to say...this girl is incredible.  She is an exemplary wife and mother.  An inspiration to me on how much I want to be a Godly woman in today's world.  To raise my children right...to love my husband like he deserves...to keep on the right track every. single. day. no. matter. what.  There has never been a time in the past 8 years that she hasn't been there for me.  Through thick and thin.  Through better or worse.  She never gave up on me.  She kept praying for me and my family.  I know she continues to.  And I LOVE HER FOR THAT.  With all my heart.  And I pray that she knows how many lives she touches every single day with her beautiful heart and patient mind.  You are amazing, T.  And don't you ever forget that.  No matter how hard the day may seem.  You are a gift from God to all of us in your life.

 

 

 

My Bo got off of work a little early tonight.  We get to spend 12 whole days with him!!!!  To celebrate...we took the kids to Rhema!!!!!

These trees with the icicles and ornaments are our favorites...

 

 

My  handsome Big Man....

 

 

And my beautiful BabyGirl whom makes even all the Christmas lights in the world seem dim.

We walked through all those light with bright eyes.  The world was cold, but our hearts are warm.  There is nothing quite like listening to Josh Groban singing "Believe" when you are making memories with your family like these.  Little Man said it best at the end of the night when we were walking to the car.  He said "I'm so glad you brought us here to look at these lights, Daddy.  It made me so happy."  Indeed.  It made us all happy.  And, that is what it's all about.

Day 22

 

Today we took our 3rd annual trip to the downtown ice skating rink.  We had a great time with our family and friends!!

I had a lot of reservations in taking Big Man ice skating today.  I was worried about how he would do...and how I would be able to help him.  But, he did wonderful!!  He had a great time and was really steady on his feet!

BabyGirl did great from the minute she stepped onto the ice.  She's such a natural and was able to take right off.  The Christmas music was magical along with the skating.  Plus, the weather was perfect!!

 

We had lots of friends join us....

Of course...there are always lots of picture taking opportunities....

 

 

 

What a perfect day!!!

Day 21

 

Today we were able to spend the WHOLE day in our pajamas!!  We did so much, but were able to stay nice and cozy all day doing what we wish!  First thing in the morning we got a big batch of cut-out sugar cookie dough cooling in the fridge.  After about a million "can we make them yet???" it was finally time to cut them out!!!

 

 

Cutting them out is only the first part of the fun!

 

After baking and cooling we whipped up a big batch of cream cheese frosting.  We made five different colors and they began the next step...decorating!!!

 

Here is Big Man with his batch!  So great at his fine motor skills...Rudolph even has a red nose!

Here is BabyGirl with hers!  So creative..she even free handed a Pooh bear with a hunny pot!

 

These are the 2 most special ones saved for Santa Claus.

This has been one of our most special count down days.  Cut-out cookies make some of the best memories.  Working together in the kitchen, eating your own home made sweet creations, using your imagination and creativity, but most of all...spending the whole day together.  With no other distractions.  This is my world.  And I am so blessed and thankful to be living in it.

Merry Christmas.

Day 20

 

This morning Big Man and I put the finishing touches on our gift ornaments.  We got some more presents wrapped and under the tree...and our last presents mailed.

 

While he and I were working on that...BabyGirl was creating a magical winter scene beneath her tree with her AG dolls.  She made her very own carriage, being pulled by Picasso.  The dolls are having a wonderful carriage ride!!

Front view...

Inside the carriage...having hot cocoa!  I love how her imagination can take ordinary things and make them extraordinary.  And...we didn't even have to spend over $300 from AG!  (plus, I like this one so much better)  :)

 

While I made dinner, the kids sat at the table making snowflakes...

 

 

Lastly, here is a snapshot of my new coffee mug!  Locally made with love by my girl!

 

Coming up tomorrow....cut out sugar cookies!!!!!!  Save 2 for Santa!

Day 19

 

Today we got to celebrate Christmas with some Besties!!  Everyone enjoyed unwrapping their gifts!!!

I didn't get pictures of everyone unwrapping...I was in the moment.  :)

 

We all enjoyed some butternut squash soup, spinach quiche, and great company!

 

There were no pictures of the boys because each time I came in to get one, they were running around!!

 

After our company left, we went to Nanny's house to play.  :)

Currently, we are spending a quiet and cozy evening at home wrapping more gifts.  Then, we are planning to watch Arthur's Christmas.  There's nothing quite like being able to take time out to spend quietly and purposely with your family.  One of the many things that truly make this The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!!!

Day 18

 

Today we had our winter open concert for the music conservatory!  This has been an annual tradition for the past 5 years.  It's a wonderful way to commemorate all the hard work the students have done, as well as a wonderful way to start celebrating Christmas!!  I love looking at how much all the students have grown every year.  It's also amazing to hear how much they have grown musically.

 

This year, BabyGirl and her duet partner played Flowers Waltz from the Nutcracker.  It was beautiful and magical!!

 

Here they are lined up and ready for the show to begin!  Sorry for the bad pic quality.  :)

 

Nanny came to support her, as always...

 

And, so did Pop!!!  We are so incredibly blessed to have them living next door. It's an absolute dream come true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOVE!!!!!!

 

Here is a pic of Big Man and I in front of the tree waiting for time to eat.  :)

 

The reception hall was decorated beautifully....

 

With lots of wonderful food to share...

 

The video of the Flowers Waltz is over 4 minutes long, and blogger will not let me upload it.  However, you can view it on facebook if we are friends.  :)

 

Beautiful evening spent with beautiful people!!