Thanks for the great ride Phoenix Metro!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the fun Christmas Eve everyone. Another successful party!

Happy Birthday Ty Ty!!

I wish I had the picture of Tyler sitting on Santa's lap--it was hilarious. Katie did you get it?

Christmas Presents and a Lesson on Life by Hillary Weeks

I saw this on a friend's blog and really liked it...

I have many wonderful Christmas memories and one not so wonderful Christmas memory. It was the year I spoiled the surprise. I couldn't help myself. It happened when I was about 17 years old. Everyone was gone so I had the house to myself. With Christmas only a few days away, the presents were piled high under the tree. I had looked to see if there were ample gifts with my name on the tag, and sure enough, there were plenty. As I passed by the tree, the gifts seemed to call, "Open me...open me!" What was a girl to do? Well, I'll tell you what this girl did at least...I took every single present up to my room. I shut the door. Then I carefully removed the tape and wrap from each package and peeked inside. An outfit from my mom. Pajamas from my grandma. (Like that was a surprise.) A new journal. And a several other thoughtful, wonderful gifts. After I finished re-wrapped the gifts, the guilt and regret set in. "Why? Why did I do that!? I just ruined Christmas! Now there would be no surprise Christmas morning!" Let me tell you, it was not worth it. I have experienced other things that were "worth it" such as, eating that third piece of blueberry cobbler with ice cream. Now, that's worth it, but opening your presents two days before Christmas definitely was not. Sometimes, now, I wish I knew what was ahead in life - if I could just see around the bend, even just a couple of days or weeks. Sometimes I would really like to know what the future holds. But I guess that would spoil the surprise. So, even when I'm feeling anxious about days to come I need to trust, not try to figure out or fret, I just need to wait and open the gift of each day, one at a time.

Making Cookies

I only got 2 pictures before my camera died. Be sure and post your pictures! By the way, I think we had another successful  year of cookie decorating and think we have started a new tradition of doing it at Amy's house! What do  you think Amy? I had lots of fun. Thanks everyone!

Gingerbread Houses

A Tight Christmas

My dear friends,

Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and
Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you
all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree
that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've
included the instructions below.
How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:

You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.

Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most
aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the
nifty slippers for yourself....

Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

Favorite Christmas Memory

Remember how we started that book of Christmas memories? What ever happened to that? Let's start it on here and each year we'll do a new post with a different memory. 

So what's your favorite Christmas Memory? 

One of mine is the year we got a trampoline. We thought we were all done opening presents but then Dad said he had to show us something outside. We went outside and saw the trampoline. I remember being so excited. Spencer and I wanted to sleep on the trampoline that night. It brought many years of sleep overs, jumping with the sprinklers on, and countless hours of jumping and games. It is still one of my favorite presents that we ever received. 

Happy Birthday Dad

I'm slacking this month--but he won't ever look anyways, right?!?

First Assignment

Sean was informed yesterday that he is needed in Louisiana for his new job at Hensel Phelphs for 7 months. He starts on January 7th and returns at the end of July. He will work for 10 days on and 4 days off. So he will come home twice a month for those 4 days. Here is a link on a map to where he will be going. 

Oh Dave

What's Your Favorite Christmas Movie/story?

Last night at Spencer's house we (Spencer, Marlee, and I) were talking about favorite Christmas movies. Spencer said his all time favorite is "Home Alone." Remember when we all went to see that in the theater together? And the person behind me said, "I would never bring that many kids to a movie!" Good times. Anyways, last night I couldn't think of what my favorite Christmas movie was. I thought about it more today and decided that my favorite movie (and story) is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I love the ending and think it has a great theme. 

So, what's your favorite Christmas movie? (or story)

Happy (Belated) Birthday Jessica!

You're always so good about posting everyone else's birthdays, I'm sorry we are posting yours late! Hope you had a great day!!!

The results are in...

You've probably all noticed the polls have closed on our blog and the results are in. One of us didn't vote but it's too late now!! So the majority has spoken and it looks like we will do birthday gifts next year with a theme of food storage gifts. So let the food storage building begin!!