It's all good . . .

This and That

I feel as though I have been neglecting my blog this month.  Things have been super busy this whole month, but they have been good as well.  I have found myself with that fervor that people tend to get at the beginning of the New Year - a desire to clean, organize, get goals back on track, and plan for the coming year.

One of the little things that has been our family "To-Do" list for a while now, is to get the piano tuned and to buy a new piano bench, as our old one was literally breaking into pieces. (It was a cheep thing I had found on the internet.)  Well, a few weeks ago I finally got the piano tuned. 

It was more of an adventure than I expected, as the tuner found a small mouse nest in it.  It was super old, and had to have been there since either before we got it, or from when the piano was in storage when we moved to Georgia.  I paid the extra to have him sterilize the piano, and I am so glad I did, as when he took the keys off, he found two more old icky nests.  So gross, but now it is clean.

I also searched around town and found a nice, sturdy new piano bench :).  Lily is loving not having to use a dining room chair anymore.

Another thing going on that has caused a lot of excitement in our home this week, is the school book fair.  We are a reading family - everyone, from Kevin on down, loves to read.  And so when the book fair comes to town, the kids know that they get to choose a new book.  I usually give them $5 to spend, and then they have to use their own money to make up the difference for the rest.

This year, I even spent a morning volunteering at the book fair.  It was the very first day, so my job was mainly to help the classes as they came in to make their wish lists, and to keep anyone from stealing all the little pencils, erasers, and such.  It gave me a great chance to scope things out :).

Then, on Thursday, I took the kids into school early so they could pick out their books.  Lily had enough of her own money to buy both books she wanted, and so she sweetly told me that I could keep my money.  What a wonderful girl she is.  Derek, of course, got another Star Wars book.  It came complete with 3-D glasses - so fun!

Soon, we will begin our deep cleaning of the house - and when I say "we," I mean that I will be enlisted the help of the kids this year. They can help me clean baseboards and wash walls and doors, right?  In fact, Lily keeps asking me when we are starting :).  Basketball has taken over our Saturday mornings, but I am sure we can find time to squeeze it in.

And, as I have mentioned before, I love going on photography field trips with my friends.  It gives me a chance to combine two of my great loves - teaching and taking pictures.  Last week, I went on another photo field trip, and we all decided that we had so much fun, we are going to try and do them monthly, instead of quarterly.  So fun!

I was in charge of this one, and I took the gals downtown to where I have done some Senior pictures.  As we explored, I found even more wonderful places there to take portraits, and just to be creative.  Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day.

And here are a few more . . .

I also helped them figure out ideas for portraits, and both Judi and Anne decided to use me as their model, forcing me out from behind the camera.  It was pretty funny, especially when they just would catch me teaching :).

It was a fantastic day, and we ended with lunch.  We found this little deli downtown, and since I wasn't super hungry, I decided to order a tossed salad.  I ended up with the biggest and most expensive plate of lettuce (and pretty much only lettuce) I have ever bought :).  The company was worth it, but thinking back, I should have ordered a sandwich :).

And so that is a little of the things going on in the Brown house right now.  Not super exciting, but all good things :).

Wonderful Distractions

There are times in life when you just need a good distraction.  Something to keep your mind off things going on in your life, and although distractions can sometimes be a crutch, a good distraction can be just what the doctor ordered.  The past two weeks have been chalk full of these wonderful distractions for me.  They left me feeling strong and energized to go forward and do all that I have to do.

These distractions have come in every form imaginable, from a surprise package from my wonderful sister-in-law Shannon, or a loaf of fresh bread from a friend.  In fact, last week, my friend Lorraine showed up on my doorstep with a package full of treats and fun things - she knew what I needed before I did.

And then, my sweet friend Natalie, who invited us to go swimming on Martin Luther King Day.  We had so much fun, I completely forgot to take any pictures of the kids :).  Oops.  We also went to lunch, and then she and her family had us over for dinner on Sunday.  Not to mention all the wonderful phone calls I always receive from her.

We also had dinner group, which was a blast, a birthday party for Derek's friend MacKenzie, dinner over at my friend Kelsie's house, which was so fun, and lunch bunch with the ladies from church.  Also the super fun photography field trip I went on with some good friends, which not only was a fantastic chance to be creative, but also to laugh with friends.

And then there were my friends who would pick my children up from school for me when I needed it, especially this past Friday when I had a doctor's appointment.  And my neighbor who took Lily and Derek to their basketball games, because I had a meeting I needed to be at.

Not to mention the visits I got to do all week with different ladies in the ward because of my calling, or my fantastic Visiting Teacher coming to visit me.  And the other phone calls and people who dropped by, just to say hello.

But the best distractions I have had, come from my adorable children and the emails I get each day from Kevin. 

It has all left me feeling very blessed, and as I reflect back over the past two weeks, instead of calling them distractions, I would be more accurate if I called them tender mercies of the Lord.  I have felt His hand in my life and His peace and comfort continually.

Basketball is Back!

Basketball season began two weeks ago for Lily and Derek.  Their first practices were awesome, with both of them making a few baskets - the very first ones ever for Derek.  I also really like their coaches, which makes things even better. 

Saturday morning were their first games.  It was so much fun to watch, although I may be a little too vocal - oh well, at least I am yelling encouragement, right?  Derek's game was first, and Lily was great at cheering for him too.

Derek sat out the first quarter, but then played the second and third quarters.  He did such a good job and got right in there, especially when there was a loose ball to dive for.

He even got to take the ball down the court a few times, which was awesome.  Now, if I can only remember to work on dribbling with him every day, it will get even better.

If you want to check out a little bit of him in action, here is some video I took of his game.  It is pretty fun - to me at least :).

Lily also had a fantastic game.  It still blows me away how far she has come since she started playing last year.  She is confident and engaged in what is going on.  I love it :).

She also got the ball a few times, which was very fun.

 Now if only she can get brave enough to try and make a basket during the game :).

Here are a few highlights from her game as well.

It looks like it will be a really fun season for both of them :).

A Few Fun Things

Over the past week, we have had a few really fun things happen.  Sadly, some where only in preparation for when Kevin leaves next week, but that didn't change the fact that we had some great things happen.

*Kevin went to Denver to watch the Lakers play the Nuggets. 

He is a huge Lakers fan, and last year he was gone every time the Lakers came to town to play the Nuggets.   Because of this, he used his Christmas money to go to the first game possible this year, so he wouldn't miss out yet again.  He went alone, but had a great seat and had an awesome time.

*Dennis and Valerie came for a visit. 

Because Kevin is deploying, his parents wanted a chance to say goodbye, and so flew in for a short visit.  We are all so glad they came!  The kids had a fantastic time with them, playing games, making crafts, telling stories, etc.  And Kevin had the chance to spend some wonderful time with his parents and get a blessing from his dad.  (And we had such a great time, we realized that we completely forgot to take a single picture - crazy!)

*Lily and Derek got to go on dates with Kevin. 

Kevin let each of the kids choose a special date they could go on with him.  Lily had him take her to lunch at Chipotle, then to see "A Dolphin's Tale", and then to ice-cream at Coldstone. 

Derek went to breakfast at Waffle House, and then to the video game store and Target, followed up by playing video games at home.  They even bought a new strategy guide while they were out, which was very exciting for both Lily and Derek.

It was wonderful, and such a great chance for the kids to have some special time with their dad.

*Kevin and I went out on a date.

Back before New Years, Kevin and I had a super fun double date with some friends to the Denver Temple.  We had such a fantastic time, and were grateful that we went, because he has been so insanely busy this past week, that we weren't able to go on our normal date to the temple the first Friday of the month. 

Since that fell through, we went on Saturday to go see the new Sherlock Holmes movie.  It was great, and we had a wonderful time.  I love any chance we have to go out and spend time together :).

Mini Apple Pies

When I was trying to decide what to make for my New Year's Eve party, I had this crazy idea that I wanted to make mini apple pies.  I searched and searched for a recipe, but nothing that I found was even close to the vision I had in my head.  And so, being a little bit crazy, I decided to create my own recipe based on my apple pie recipe. They turned out perfect, and so I thought I would share my recipe :).

First, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• Premade pie crust (with top and bottom – I used the Pillsbury Brand, which you can find by all the refrigerator biscuits)
• 2-3 apples – Granny Smith preferably
• 2T Flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Dash salt

To make the filling, peel and slice the apples, being sure to cut them into very small chunks – much smaller than you would for a normal apple pie. Mix salt, flour, and cinnamon together in a small bowl, and then mix into the apples. Set aside.

Unroll the pie crust, and use a medium biscuit cutter to cut out 24 circles – one for each spot in a mini muffin tin. Press dough into each spot.  I used a little wooden tool I got from Pampered Chef years ago, and was so happy to finally find a use for it :).

Then use a small biscuit cutter and cut out 24 smaller circles, and these should be the perfect size to use for the top of the little pies. (You may have to take all the scraps and roll them out to have enough.)

Fill the crust with the apple filling. The apples will shrink a bit in cooking, so you can fill them a little higher than the sides, but not too much. (If you have leftover filling, just eat it with a spoon – so yummy!) Then take the smaller pieces of dough and cover the top. You won’t be able to make a seal, but make sure to cover all the apples with them.

Cover pan loosely with a large sheet of foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for 40 min. Remove foil, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden. Immediately remove from the pan, and then set on a cooling rack to cool, or serve right away.

They were delicious, and were the perfect bite size treat for my party :).   Here is the printable version of the recipe:Download Mini Apple Pies  Enjoy!!

 

Ringing in the New Year!

Way back in October, I decided that I wanted to throw a New Year's Eve party.  One with just couples, and one that, hopefully, would be a lot of fun :).  Well, everything came together, Kevin miraculously gave his permission, and the whole week before the party I spent preparing.

I made food for three straight days, deep cleaned my house, researched what games to play, and even had Kevin put up lights and his disco ball for me in the living room :).

The food all turned out fabulous, and just like I had imagined. 

We had red velvet cake bites . . .

and mini apple pies (recipe to come) . . .

and Raspberry Trifle . . .

And so much more. Kevin asked specifically for Divinity, which I had never made before, but I used Paula Deen's recipe, and it was delicious.

I also had a whole array of hot foods - meatballs, little smokies, sausage dip, queso blanco, and even chocolate fondue.  And since I only own one giant crockpot, I borrowed five small ones from different friends. (I wanted everything to be done before the party started, so I could enjoy things and not worry about food.)

Our kids were awesome, as they had a few of the party snacks, and then we put them to bed at their normal bedtime, leaving us free to play for the rest of the night :).  They slept soundly through the ENTIRE party, including when we were really loud at midnight.  Like I said, awesome.

Everything was set up and ready by the party's start time of 8:30pm, and so I got to sit for a minute before the guests arrived.  I had a game for them to start as they came in - Two Truths and a Lie.

The game turned out to be so funny that my face hurt from laughing.  From one person making four different drafts, and then turning in the wrong one, to me forgetting to put a lie on the paper and putting three truths, it was awesome.

There was lots of talking, laughing, eating, and even more laughing.  We played another game later on called "How Well Do You Know Your Sweetheart?".  It was almost funnier than the first game, as you would not believe how many of us got questions wrong. 

Kevin was the only one to get 5 for 5 - pretty funny.  On the whole, the men tended to get more answers right, but we all decided it was because women talk so much more and tell their spouse everything.  What I thought was the funniest was how many times a wife would tell her husband that they were wrong when the man said what his favorite color was.  Awesome.

At midnight, we all toasted sparkling grape juice and made lots of noise with the noisemakers I bought. 

I even got to kiss my sweetheart, Kevin, at midnight to celebrate the New Year beginning. 

The party really was a blast, and I wish I could do it every year :).  Now to convince Kevin - he he!

I Love to Read - 2011

As has become my tradition, I kept track of the books I have read over the past year. I have always loved reading, and this just happens to be a time in life where I actually have time to read. I do most of my reading once the kids are tucked into bed, or while sitting in the pick-up line at the school, and it is amazing how much you can read during those small pockets of time. 

I have also really  gotten into listening to audio books while I edit pictures, clean the hoouse, or drive aroound town.  This has really increased the amount of reading I get done, and I love it.  And once again, I also kept track of how many pages I read for the year - I know, I am weird. My average book was 307 pages and my total pages for the year was 41857 - pretty crazy :).

If you want to know what I thought about each book, go to www.goodreads.com and friend me, and you can read my reviews for them all.

* - a reread, which means I loved the book enough the first time to read it again

** - a book I read with Lily

^ - a book I read with Derek

136. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (531 pgs)*

135. Gordan Korman: The 39 Clues Book 8: The Emperor's Code (190 pgs)

134. Alan Bradley: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows: A Flavia de Luce Novel (297 pgs)

133. Immaculee Ilibagiza: Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust (215 pgs)

132. Virginia Sorensen: Miracles on Maple Hill (256 pgs)

131. Cornelia Funke: The Thief Lord (349 pgs)

130. Avi: The Christmas Rat (144 pgs)

129. Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony (Book 5) (385 pgs)

128. Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception (Book 4) (416 pgs)

127. Orson Scott Card: Rachel and Leah: Women of Genesis (368 pgs)

126. Peter Lerangis: The Viper's Nest (The 39 Clues, Book 7) (176 pgs)

125. Jude Watson: In Too Deep (The 39 Clues, Book 6) (206 pgs)

124. Orson Scott Card: Rebekah: Women of Genesis (416 pgs)

123. Timothy Zahn: Star Wars: Choices of One (416 pgs)

122. Tatiana de Rosnay: Sarah's Key (293 pgs)

121. Dave Barry: Peter and the Sword of Mercy (Starcatchers #4) (515 pgs)

120. Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson: Peter and the Secret of Rundoon (The Starcatchers #3) (480 pgs)

119. Sheri L. Dew: If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard: And Other Reassuring Truths (152 pgs)

118. Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code (Book 3) (352 pgs)

117. Patricia C. Wrede: Across the Great Barrier (Frontier Magic, Book 2) (339 pgs)

116. Patrick Carman: The Black Circle (The 39 Clues, Book 5) (208 pgs)

115. Theodore Taylor: The Cay (144 pgs)

114. Roald Dahl: James and the Giant Peach (with Derek) (160 pgs)* ^

113. Maggie Stiefvater: Forever (Wolves of Mercy Falls, Book 3) (390 pgs)

112. Jude Watson: Beyond the Grave (The 39 Clues, Book 4) (190 pgs)

111. Kate Klise: Regarding the Fountain (144 pgs)

110. Peter Lerangis: The Sword Thief (The 39 Clues, Book 3) (156 pgs)

109. Patricia C. Wrede: The Magician's Ward (288 pgs)

108. Patricia C. Wrede: Mairelon the Magician (288 pgs)

107. Dick King-Smith: Lady Lollipop (with Derek) (128 pgs)* ^

106. Zane Grey: The Border Legion (384 pgs)

105. Paul Fleischman: Bull Run (128 pgs)

104. Christopher Paul Curtis: Bud, Not Buddy (256 pgs)

103. Gordon Korman: The 39 Clues Book 2: One False Note (174 pgs)

102. Johanna Spyri: Heidi  (288 pgs)*

101. Clive Cussler: The Race (404 pgs)

100. Isabel Wolff: A Vintage Affair: A Novel (368 pgs)

99. Cynthia Lord: Rules (224 pgs)

98. Gail Carson Levine: A Tale of Two Castles (320 pgs)

97. Orson Scott Card: Sarah: Women of Genesis (352 pgs)

96. Christie Golden: Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Ascension (410 pgs)

95. Zane Grey: The Call of the Canyon (136 pgs)

94. Rick Riordan: The Maze of Bones (39 Clues, No. 1) (220 pgs)

93. Jeanne Birdsall: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette (320 pgs)

92. Lois Lowry: Number the Stars (137 pgs)

91. E.L. Konigsburg: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (176 pgs)**

90. Cassandra Clare: City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4) (424 pgs)

89. Kristin Hannah: Winter Garden (394 pgs)

88. Gene Stratton-Porter: A Girl of the Limberlost (222 pgs)

87. Richard and Florence Atwater: Mr. Popper's Penguins (139 pgs)* ^

86. R. L. LaFevers: Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh (384 pgs)

85. Lois Lowry: Gathering Blue (215 pgs)

84. Anne Osterlund: Exile (304 pgs)

83. Neal Shusterman: Everfound (Skinjacker #3) (512 pgs)

82. R. L. LaFevers: The Unicorn's Tale (Nathaniel Fludd: Beastologist, Book 4) (160 pgs)

81. Cornelia Funke: Inkdeath (Inkheart #3) (663 pgs)

80. Julie Berry: Secondhand Charm (352 pgs)

79. A.A. Milne: Winnie-the-Pooh (161 pgs)* ^

78. Pittacus Lore: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies) (440 pgs)

77. Andrew Clements: Things Not Seen (176 pgs)

76. Sandra Dallas: Prayers for Sale (305 pgs)

75. Rick Riordan: The Kane Chronicles, Book Two: The Throne of Fire (452 pgs)

74. Clare Vanderpool: Moon Over Manifest (368 pgs)

73. Chris Heimerdinger: Tennis Shoe Adventure Series #11: Sorcerers and Seers (491 pgs)

72. Cornelia Funke: Inkspell (Inkheart #2) (635 pgs)

71. Maryrose Wood: The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: #1) (288 pgs)

70. Karen Witemeyer: A Tailor-Made Bride (348 pgs)

69. Cornelia Funke: Dragon Rider (523 pgs)

68. Noel Streatfeild: Ballet Shoes (256 pgs)**

67. Rebecca Stead: When You Reach Me (199 pgs)

66. Alan Bradley: A Red Herring Without Mustard: A Flavia de Luce Novel (391 pgs)

65. Ann Rinaldi: The Letter Writer (224 pgs)

64. R. L. LaFevers: The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3) (144 pgs)

63. Eva Ibbotson: The Reluctant Heiress (368 pgs)

62. Eoin Colfer: The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl, Book 2) (277 pgs)

61. Aaron Allston: Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Conviction (320 pgs)

60. Pearl S. Buck: The Good Earth (385 pgs)

59. Megan Whalen Turner: Instead of Three Wishes: Magical Short Stories (160 pgs)

58. Rick Riordan: The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1) (516 pgs)

57. R. L. LaFevers: The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2) (160 pgs)

56. Megan Whalen Turner: A Conspiracy of Kings (The Queen's Thief #4) (336 pgs)

55. C. S. Lewis: The Last Battle (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 7) (224 pgs)

54. Deeanne Gist: The Measure of a Lady (320 pgs)

53. Megan Whalen Turner: The King of Attolia (The Queen's Thief, Book 3) (387 pgs)

52. Megan Whalen Turner: The Queen of Attolia (The Queen's Thief, Book 2) (362 pgs)

51. C. S. Lewis: The Last Battle (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 7) (224 pgs)

50. Megan Whalen Turner: The Thief (The Queen's Thief, Book 1) (280 pgs)

49. Shannon Hale: Forest Born (Books of Bayern 4) (389 pgs)

48. C. S. Lewis: The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia Book 6) (243 pgs)

47. Shannon Hale: River Secrets (The Books of Bayern #3) (304 pgs)

46. R. L. LaFevers: Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I) (138 pgs)**

45. Shannon Hale: Enna Burning (Books of Bayern 2) (317 pgs)

44. C. S. Lewis: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Narnia #5) (256 pgs)

43. Nancy Atherton: Introducing Aunt Dimity, Paranormal Detective: The First Two Books in the Beloved Series (464 pgs)

42. Dr. P. L. Travers: Mary Poppins Opens the Door (272 pgs)**

41. Alan Bradley: The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag: A Flavia de Luce Novel (364 pgs)

40. Anne Osterlund: Academy 7 (272 pgs)

39. Louisa May Alcott: Rose in Bloom (312 pgs)

38. Louisa May Alcott: Eight Cousins (224 pgs)

37. Mary Ann Shaffer: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (274 pgs)*

36. Robert Ludlum: The Bourne Identity: A Novel (576 pgs)

35. Dave Barry: Peter and the Shadow Thieves (The Starcatchers #2) (576 pgs)

34. C. S. Lewis: Prince Caspian (The Chronicles of Narnia #4) (240 pgs)

33. Deeanne Gist: A Bride in the Bargain (365 pgs)

32. Eva Ibbotson: The Dragonfly Pool (416 pgs)

31. C. S. Lewis: The Horse and His Boy (224 pgs)

30. Neal Shusterman: Everwild (Skinjacker Trilogy) (299 pgs)

29. Deeanne Gist: Maid to Match (363 pgs)

28. Sally Watson: Witch of the Glens (275 pgs)

27. Jessica Day George: Princess of Glass (257 pgs)

26. C. S. Lewis: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (206 pgs) *

25. Roald Dahl: The BFG (208 pgs)**

24. C. S. Lewis: The Magician's Nephew (272 pgs)

23. Clive Cussler: Crescent Dawn (Dirk Pitt Adventure) (544 pgs)

22. Ben Behunin: Becoming Isaac: The Next Potter of Niederbipp (Remembering Isaac, 3) (443 pgs)

21. Ben Behunin: Discovering Isaac - The Beloved Potter of Niederbipp (431 pgs)

20. Deeanne Gist: Deep in the Heart of Trouble (394 pgs)

19. Deeanne Gist: Courting Trouble (336 pgs)

18. Chris Heimerdinger: Kingdoms and Conquerors (Tennis Shoes Adventure Series # 10) (434 pgs)

17. Mitch Albom: For One More Day (197 pgs)

16. Chris Heimerdinger: Tower of Thunder (Tennis Shoes Series #9) (406 pgs)

15. Chris Heimerdinger: Warriors of Cumorah (Tennis Shoes Series #8) (394 pgs)

14. Robert Jordan: Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time #13) (861 pgs)

13. Chris Heimerdinger : The Golden Crown (Tennis Shoes Adventure Series #7) (338 pgs)

12. Chris Heimerdinger: Tennis Shoes: The Lost Scrolls (Tennis Shoes Adventure Series #6) (279 pgs)

11. Chris Heimerdinger: Tennis Shoes and the Seven Churches (Tennis Shoes Series #5) (329 pgs)

10. Zane Grey: From Missouri (50 pgs)

9. Troy Denning: Vortex (Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi, Book 6) (400 pgs)

8. Elizabeth C. Bunce: StarCrossed (359 pgs)

7. Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking-Glass (240 pgs)

6.Lewis Carroll: Alice in Wonderland (132 pgs)

5. Ben Behunin: Remembering Isaac: The Wise and Joyful Potter of Niederbipp (454 pgs)

4. Louisa May Alcott: Little Women (449 pgs)

3. Eva Ibbotson: Which Witch (186 pgs)

2. Madeleine L'Engle: A Wrinkle in Time (211 pgs)

1. Dr. P. L. Travers: Mary Poppins Comes Back (With Lily) (336 pgs)**

Christmas Magic

I truly love Christmas.  I love the feeling of magic that surrounds it all.  I have fantastic memories from my childhood of Christmas traditions, and I think my children are creating their very own treasured memories. 

One of these was probably the sleepover they got to have by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve's Eve.  They snuggled into their sleeping bags and got ready to sleep in the light of the tree.  Lily even read Derek a Christmas book or two. 

And then on Christmas Eve, we had more fun.  The kids had plenty of time to play in the snow that had fallen earlier this week.  Lily made a snowbird, instead of a snowman.  I wish I had thought to get a picture before it was dark.

Later on, we watched Christmas movies, played games, read Christmas books, and ate our dinner of Domino's Pizza :).  Then we had a special scripture reading of Luke Chapter 2 and talked about the true reason for Christmas.  Lily went on to tell us, that for her "Christmas is all about giving."  Derek then piped in with, "For me, Christmas is all about the presents."  Nice.

I even let the kids help me prepare the rolls for Christmas breakfast, since it has to rise overnight.  I was so concerned about having them help me do it right, I completely left out one of the main ingredients - the butterscotch pudding.  They still turned out okay though, thank goodness :).

Once the kids were tucked in, Kevin and I brought down all the presents and filled the stockings.  There was nothing to build, and so we finished early and watched "Sherlock Holmes."  It was a great night.

The next morning, we had church at 9 am, and so we got up at 6am and I got breakfast going.  Then we let the kids come down to open their stockings.  They LOVE their stockings, and get excited about every litle thing in them, whether it is a toy, fun band-aides, a new toothbrush, or underwear.

After stockings, we had breakfast and got ready for church.  Derek wore his new tie, one my parents got when they were on their mission in Scotland years ago, but he was too small for it then.  (It is the Anderson tartan, my family's line.)  Kevin has a matching tie, and so they decided to be twins.

After church, we had a quick snack, and then it was time for presents :). 

Derek had a few favorite gifts, including his new scooter.  Now he doesn't have to borrow Lily's anymore.

We also got him a punching bag.  He has needed something to hit and kick for a while, and I figured that this is a much healthier option than hitting people or walls :).  He thinks it is awesome.

Lily got a few fun things as well.  He favorite was an MP3 player.  Kevin spent an entire day loading songs, and even a movie, on there for her.  She LOVES it.

And Kevin - he only got four presents, but they were all awesome.  He got tickets to go see the Lakers play when they come to Denver and the new legend of Zelda game.  He also got the Lego Millennium Falcon, which he had picked out himself.  He spent all day putting it together :).

And somehow I surprised him this year - something that is very hard to do.  I secretly took a painting that his Grandma Wanda had painted of him and is brother, and I had it framed.  The look on his face was awesome - it was definitely a winner :).

As for me, I got a few fun things as well - books, camera stuff, a beautiful necklace, etc.  My favorite was that Kevin and the kids gave me the wise men and angel to go with my Nativity.  Now it is complete :).  I love it!

Later on, we decided to play some of the games we got for Christmas.  The kids played Just Dance Kids 2 on the Kinnect, Kevin played Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword with the kids, and then we all played Wipeout on the Kinnect.  It was so fun, and wow - what a workout!

It was a wonderful Christmas, and full of fun, joy, and of course, magic :).

Merry Christmas to all!

  Merry Christmas!

 "Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship."  Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, Dec. 1983)

Christmas Isn't Christmas Without . . .

Advent Calendars

We have quite a few different ways to count down to Christmas, and my kids love them all.  We even have a new one this year that we got out of last years December Friend magazine - it has scriptures on each thing you hang on the tree, and they all answer questions about Christ's birth.

One of Lily and Derek's favorites, is the one their Grandma Valerie gave us forever ago.  It is a magnet manger scene, and I always catch them playing pretend with the pieces.  So fun.

And one of their favorite advents every year has to be the chocolate advent calendar I get them.  They each have their own, and they can hardly wait to eat their chocolate of the day.  They are made by a German company and I buy them at the Commissary - yet another perk of being in the military, because I can never find them anywhere else :).

Neighbor Gifts

I love giving neighbor gifts, and I must admit that it is pretty fun to receive all the fun Christmas goodies from everyone.  This year I gave away jars of homemade peach, raspberry, or blackberry jam, which was wonderful, because I had gone to all the work to make it months ago, and so all I had to do was tie on a ribbon :).

I also gave this wonderful little book called "The Story of Christ" to a few of my neighbors.  I found it at Deseret Book, and it took scriptures about Christ's birth and ministry and put them all in order into a story.  It is wonderful, and I made sure to keep one for our family.

New Christmas Ornaments

Every year we take the kids to Hallmark and let them pick out a new Christmas ornament.  They really look forward to it, and someday they will have quite the collection.  Lily picked the "Mistletoe Fairy."

And Derek picked Mickey Mouse and Toodles :).

And Kevin and I love to get something new for the two of us each year as well.  This year we found a beautiful ornament in Nauvoo while we were there in March.  I love it.

We also try to get an ornament from every place we have lived.  Last year I couldn't find a Colorado one, but I found one while the kids and I were site-seeing this summer, which was really cool.

And just in case I have never posted pictures of the other ornaments we have from the other places we were stationed, here they are.  (And Kevin and I still laugh about how completely fitting it is that the ONLY ornament we could find when we lived in Fayetteville was totally white trash.)

Watching Christmas Movies

We love our collection of Christmas movies.  We pull them out right after Thanksgiving, and then try and make our way through the stack throughout the month of December.  The kids first choice is always "The Muppet Christmas Carol." 

I also love to watch a lot of the cheesy made for TV movies on ABC family as well :).  One of our very favorites is "Elf" (Not quite sure where it was when I took this picture.).  We have to sit together as a family and watch it, laughing the whole time.

Reading Christmas Books

You all know how much I love reading, and my kids are no different.  I have quite the collection of Christmas books - more than there are days in December.  Because we have too many to get through them all with only one a day, I try to take time throughout the month to sit with both kids and a few of the books and just sit and read for an hour or so.  It is one of my favorite Christmas activities.

Giving and Receiving Christmas Cards

I love sending out Christmas cards.  In fact, I had quite the list of friends I sent them out to before I ever got married, just because I love it so much.  But even more than sending Christmas Cards, I love receiving them. 

I love reading the messages and letters people send with them, seeing the pictures and realizing how the years are flying as the kids in the pictures just get bigger and bigger.  I store them all in a little snowman caddy, and although I have thought about putting them on display, I can't think of a way I like more than just having them all together.

Christmas Music

How can you not love Christmas music?  I started listening to it extra early this year, all because Michael Buble' put out a Christmas album in November.  It is fantastic and has been making me smile all month.  Lily and Derek also have their favorite Christmas music - they are taking turns listening to"The Muppet Christmas Carol Soundtrack", "John Denver and the Muppets," and "Disney Magic 2009" - I can't even count how many times those CD's have moved from one room to another.

Snow

Okay, so this will be Lily and Derek's very first Christmas with snow - last year it was 50 degrees on Christmas, and before that we lived in North Carolina, Georgia, and California.  That doesn't make it any less a Christmas tradition to have snow, and although I particularly love warm weather on Christmas, the snow does make it feel magical. 

And to make sure we had plenty of snow for Christmas on Sunday, we have had two storms in a three day period that gave us about 6 inches of snow each.  The kids have been enjoying it nonstop.  They have been out playing in it with the neighbors every day, and sometimes more than once a day.

My favorite thing was watching Derek and his friend Asher take turns riding our sled down the slide.  Just plain awesome :).

I must admit that I do have a wish that all the snow will go away once Christmas is over, but that is wishful thinking on my part.  But maybe we will have a warm New Year, you never know :).