Christmas Favorites

A real Bow and Arrow, complete with a bale of straw with target in the back yard. The best Pillow Pet ever. Huge, Huge, Huge! More like a Bed Pet. Perfect for movie watching.

You'll shoot your eye out. Real live BB Gun and an airsoft gun from Uncle Mark and Aunt Wendy (thanks!).

Webkinz Oreo. She sleeps with this everynight and hasn't shed one tear about our real Oreo since Christmas.

The biggest highlight that the kids were sworn to secrecy about (threatening of no presents for Christmas if they told) Dads new Leather Jacket. He's wanted one to wear with his bike forever and we got an awesome deal.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Elf PJ's

Santa's little elves come to our house on Christmas Eve, using their jet packs of course, to bring up one gold wrapped present each. And of course they are new pj's. Aren't they cute!
This shot is of course following our Nativity post so the craziness is obviously still lingering.

Nativity

Like most families on Christmas Eve we try to read the Nativity story. And this year we decided to act it out.

UN-like most families our Nativity was not the most beautifully organized skit. And thanks to Marlene laughing along with all the chaos it kept the Spirit of Christmas there with us all.

Sicily of course was Mary, she's such a good little Mommy who else could we choose.

Next we move on to our Angel coming to the shepherd and his 1 sheep. Or would you just say shoop."Sit Sheep, Sit! Good sheep."

"Mary you forgot your hat."

"The Star, The Star do you see the Star?"
"OH! I'm the shepherd?....I thought it was the Wise Man that made the sheep sit."

"Do you see the star sheep? Do you see it?"

"LOOK AT THE STAR!"

Mary singing "Hush little baby" in the background.

"Quite sheep, Jesus is sleeping."

And for some reason we're all in white, except Mary.

Thanks Daddy for the great Narration, that I'm not sure anyone really heard. And thanks to Marlene for documenting this craziness.

Wrapping, wrapping and more Wrapping

I'm so glad Marlene was here for Christmas. We didn't rush around like we usually do when she's here, but we had a heck of a lot of fun all the same. And with Christmas for 4 kids, if it wasn't for her I would probably still be wrapping presents.

People actually hire Marlene to wrap all their gifts. They'll bring her paper, tape and their entire Christmas, come back the next day and it's all magically done. Loving that she was here!
Jared on the other hand built card castles while we wrapped. :) He pays Aspen to wrap his gifts.

My Awesome Hubby

I don't know how many of you know but I have the most amazing husband there is. Good singer, ballroom dancer, can cook really well, loves kids, speaks Spanish, is an awesome Engineer and can fix or build ANYTHING. There is not a better husband out there.

So to prove the anything point, check this out. I don't sew, I try but I can't really claim that I'm really good. But I was literally an inch away from finishing some curtains and my needle jammed in the fabric. I couldn't get it out, it wouldn't go up and it wouldn't go down. So Jared being Jared took it all apart and somehow, I honestly don't know how, got my curtain out. And even more important was able to put the sewing machine back together. :)

Thanks Baby! You're the best!

Running Wreck

With all the yummy Christmas food in the house I was desperately needing some exercise. Phoenix needed some one on one time, so we combined the two and went for a running/bike ride. I ran and he biked. It was so fun. We even took the dog. Life was good, we'd crossed the bridge, ran next to the river and were just heading back over the bridge to head home when things took a turn for the worst. Literally!

The sidewalk on the bridge is wider than a normal sidewalk so I thought I'd run up right next to Phoenix instead of behind him. Bad idea apparently. He's only been on the 2 wheeler for about 2 weeks and is still a bit wobbily. As I came up next to him he veered, bumped my hip with his handle bar and lost control. We both went down in a heap.

I honestly don't know what happened. But when I got up my knee was completely scuffed and bleeding, my shoulder too and also my opposite shin. Phoenix was a little tangled in his spokes but otherwise ok.

Discovering all of this my next thought was to look around, and too my great pleasure there was not a soul to be found. YES!!! Nobody saw us wipe out. I must say though, that probably would have made one awesome "Funniest Home Video."

Sicily's Famous Apple Pie

Aunt Marlene did a wonderful job teaching my girls how to cook while she was here for Christmas.

Sicily's greatest creation was her beautiful Apple Pie. SOOOOO GOOOOOOD!! The best part was mixing the apples, "Scoop aaaaaand Flip, scoop aaaaaaand flip, scoop aaaaaaand flip." She was so cute and those little apples were all very evenly coated with their sugar and cinnamon. Add a few beautifully cut hearts and you have one scrumptious apple pie.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Christmas time means Chocolate time in our house. I typically have a Chocolate Dipping Party with some friends, but every one's on a diet so I made them all myself this year. Marlene was here too to lend a hand keeping kids out of the Chocolate, which is much needed. :) Yummy Gheradelli's Milk Chocolate gooeyness. Mix this with a bit of Whipping Cream and Peppermint Oil and you have the best Truffles known to man. Recipe credit goes to my amazing Aunt Kathy. We made some Raspberry Truffles too this year which were also a big hit.

I never had to worry about taking in too many extra calories during the process. As soon as I was done with a bowl there was a child waiting a willing to lick it clean.

And the end results!! Of course with a child unwilling to give me 2 seconds to take a picture before she snitched a few.

And though we did keep quite a bit for ourselves we were very happy to share with our neighbors and friends. Yum, Yum, Yum!!!

The Lion and the Lamb

He's not the sweetest lion in the world. And don't worry this was his stuffed animal not the kids. Every Saturday my boys have a job to clean up after the dog. London cleans up the poop, and Phoenix cleans up the fluff. Not a week goes by that Beaux doesn't rip up at least one stuffed animal. The best part is he just keeps playing with it even though it's flat.

New Chapel

We are lucky enough to be blessed with our new Chapel. Isn't it beautiful!!! It's lay out is just like Jared's parents church in Idaho. It always amazes me how the church can build the same building and teach the same things no matter where you are in the world.

Before:

After:

Let's See Santa

Santa came to the Big Bass Pro Shop just before Christmas and we had to go see him. Phoenix and London were both sick when Santa came to the Ward Christmas Party so this was our chance. But of course we had to have a look around while we were waiting in line. Not all of Santa's animals are sweet and kindly. :)

This guy was giving a fly fishing demonstration and feeding the fish in the tank. Sicily was enthralled. And those dumb fish just kept taking the bait.

Phoenix found the perfect gift for Aunt Marlene, remote controlled even. But we wouldn't let him buy it even though he really, really wanted to.

Had to look at the guns of course. And a quick glance at the bows.

And the Grand Finale. He was a really sweet Santa. Even asked Sicily what she wanted. We love Santa.

Houston Rockets

Jared took the boys to the game. That had such a good night eating anything and everything. Jared said the game was good too. I'm glad they had a good time.

A Childs Prayer

Phoenix and Sicily don't always get along with each other, but every now and then something happens to remind me that they really do love one another.

Sicily was going to a friends house to be babysat while we took the other kids to the movies. The night before Phoenix was just overwhelmed by this and so concerned for her. So this was his prayer: "Please bless Sicily that she will have fun at Bailey's. That she'll get to play with Baby Dolls and go in Bailey's room. Bless that Parker will be nice to her...." (he is always nice by the way), just things Phoenix was concerned about. And how thoughtful to remember to put in a bonus wish for her favorite toys for her.

That same night as Sicily said her prayers, "Please bless Phoenix not cry, and his tummy not hurt." He had had a few time-outs that day and the fake tummy aches tend to follow.

We have had a child lock on the inside of Sicily's door for the longest time. But we just took it off, much to her delight. Though now she is, once again, coming out many times to go "potty." Jared threatened to put it back on her door and when she prayed that night, "Please bless me stay in my bed so Daddy no lock door." :) It's hard not to smile when they say stuff like that.

I'm sure glad Heavenly Father understands and listens to all of our concerns. Even children get worried sometimes and need the comfort of prayer.

Girls Night

Jared took the boys out to a Houston Rockets game so me and the girls had some fun. Bubble baths, movies and curlers. Aren't they just cuties.

Class Parties

I got roped into being London's Room Mom this year and it's actually been fun. We had our first Field Trip, which I wasn't able to go on, followed by our Holiday (Christmas) Party. We decorated the room all red and green with balloons and create paper.

The kids brought all the food and we played a few little games. One of which was opening Hershey Kisses while wearing gloves. I'm not really sure how many kids ate the tinfoil, but there were quite a few. The bows were originally stuck on all their chairs. But by the end of the party Jordan had them all on him.

And with enough help from other Moms I was able to sneak out and make an appearance in Aspen and Phoenix's classes. Kindergarten parties are the best; Gingerbread Men, Hershey Kiss Bingo and a little craft. Aspen had fun helping her teacher open her presents. Aspen gave her 2 little matching sweaters for her little Yorkies. Her teacher was very happy.

North Pole Radio Hour

London joined the 5th Grade Choir this year and had tons of fun. They've been practicing and rehearsing this hour and a half show since October and finally got to put it on. They did it twice during the day for the other students and once at night for all the parents and grandparents. It was so stinking cute and so much fun.

London even did a little Ballroom Dancing as his part in the show. Way to go London! I'll get a video on her soon.
The kids only complaint were the costumes. Not that they were funny looking but that they were HOT. At 75 degrees outside and 80 in, this is not the typical outfit you would wear.

Christmas Decorations

We finally got all or our lights up outside and I was admiring the effect during the day when I noticed our 2 front trees were decorating our house too. Notice the red and green. I just thought that was cool.Christmas light photo forthcoming.

What a wonderful year of piano we have had. Aspen and London both switched teachers half way through the year and they continue to excel and move forward in their amazing talent. Both of them love to play.

London has had the opportunity to play in Sacrament Meeting, at Church, a few times now. The Priesthood can not wait until he turns 12 and can help accompany them. Aspen is quick to plunk out a tune to anyone who walks through our front door.

We are so proud of our 2 little pianists, and hope you enjoy their Christmas Recital as much as we did.

Nutcraker

Aspen and I have attended the full showing of the Nutcracker for 3 years now, and if you count the partial shows they did in Hobbs, NM this would be our 5th year. We love it, it's so fun and Aspen adds to her Nutcracker collection every year. Isn't this years just the cutest, fattest little guy you've ever seen. Apparently a lot of folks want to buy themselves a Nutcracker.

But really we do go to see the beautiful dancing, and hear the wonderful music. One of these years I really would like to see it professionally, like the Houston Ballet. But until Aspen's old enough to not fall asleep by the end I'm not going to shell out the money for those tickets. In the mean time we'll just keep enjoying the local productions.

Chiminea

I have wanted a Chiminea for forever. We just inherited one and I love it! Jared even loves it. We made quick use of it to have Hot Dogs and Smore's for dinner. So healthy, I know. But rather tasty. If anyone out there is debating of getting one of these, do it. It's the best camp fire you'll ever own. The smoke goes strait up the chimney, instead of in your face. And if the wind is blowing, it's no worries because your fire is protected. And if you'd rather have your Hot Dog smoked instead of cooked, just hold it over the chimney. It's a win win all around. :)

Schlumberger Family Christmas Party

On Phoenix's sick day Jared took the other 3 kids to his work Christmas Party. They had such a good time. Here's a few shots that Jared took with his phone. I was rather impressed.

London and Sicily feeding the goats. I love that she's trying to make them eat straight out of the cup.We had pet chickens as a kid, so it always makes me laugh when they have these in a petting zoo.
Love, love, loved this slide. Up and down a million times. Was even brave enough to go down Superman style, head first on her belly.
But apparently not everyone liked this slide. Zoom in on this little boys face, then the adult man next to him. Stinking funny.
Train rides are the best. She was so brave to do this on her own, smiles all around.
The favorite part of the Party. "SNOW!!!" Really it's like snow cone snow shot out of a snow machine. But you can still have snow ball fights with it. The kids had a blast. That's London there in the red pants.
I think it was around 70 degrees this day. So that snow turned to ice pretty fast.

Tracfone

I just need to rant a little bit about my stupid phone. My phone died about a month ago and I have yet to get my new phone to be working. I ordered the new phone, received it, talked on the land line for ever to get it to work. It turned on but would not make or receive phone calls. So they said they'd send me a new Sim card to make it work in 3-5 business days. That was 2 weeks ago. So I called again today, was on the phone for 52 mins for them to tell me my Sim card had not been sent but that they are sending me one now. AAAAAUUUUUGH!!!

I HATE TRACFONE!! But I'm just to cheap to go another route. SO FRUSTRATING!

Ear Infections

"I'll be home from School today... just you wait and see... please have drugs and Drs with plugs to fix you and me...."

Phoenix has had a cold for a few days now and started complaining about his ear Saturday night. It faded out though by Sunday afternoon so he went off to school Monday morning with no problems. But Tuesdays school day has been cut short. We went to the HEB RediClinic and got some amoxicilin from the Nurse Practitioner.

Not contagious, I was told, so don't worry Mom's when you see him at school tomorrow. That is if he's feeling up to it. Poor little man. It's no fun being sick around Christmas.

Gingerbread Pirates

Run, run as fast as you can...you can run away from the Gingerbread Pirate.

I know that doesn't rhyme but if you know the tune to that song we are long lost soul mates. Or one of my siblings, whichever. :)

Phoenix's Kindergarten Home Work gets funner and funner. With this newest season we got to decorate us a little Gingerbread Man. And after looking through all our glitter and ribbons Phoenix decided on a Pirate. ARRRRRR!! With real treasure and everything. And his sword is made out of Popsicle sticks. He's just so cute I had to share.