Gifts Galore from Santa and More...

Well, another Christmas down! It was wonderful again this year! We are so fortunate to have part of our family near us- especially during the holidays. We missed Dana's parents so much this season- we haven't seen them since the Spring, and won't until April! Thankfully we got to talk to everyone on Christmas, including those who live far away. We got to see Aunt Liza and Aunt Ivy, and also Grandma and Grandpa Murray. Our day was full and complete- we did it all!

We have been getting together with my parents and my brother and family each year on Christmas Eve to open presents. It has really been nice, since we have to spread out the next day with so many others and the kids don't seem so overwhelmed this way. So, for them, Christmas just goes on and on! They love it, of course! So, on Christmas Eve day, we let the kids exchange gifts they got each other and we give them the boring gifts we got them- clothes and shoes, mostly. I don't really even bother with cute jammies anymore- they wear the same thing over and over- and Celeste only wants to wear Leah's jammies. Poor Alex has high water pajama pants, so Grandma got him new ones, but I was content to let him wear his old ones!! He grew in shoes from a 2 to a 3 1/2 just since school started and went from an 8 in jeans to a 10! He needed all new things already! He loves new shirts, so that was fun. I happened to score great deals in October for new things for Leah, so she got a Candie's dress, skirt and 2 shirts- a total of $148, but I only paid $11 and it shipped for free!! So love Kohl's! Anyway, I did get Celeste a new nightgown, a leopard one, that she loves because it looks like "baby jaguar", her favorite from Diego! The kids shopped for each other and they spent their own money on the perfect gifts- it was so nice! I just loved how much they loved each other for that moment! It doesn't last long, I have to remind myself of that time when they start arguing! The kids didn't shop for me (thanks, Dana!), so they each made me a card and put money in it! I scored! Leah gave me $3 and Alex said that he knew how much I loved to shop, so he gave me $1 too! I love them! Super sweet and perfect, (most of the time!)

So, we headed to my parents, for appetizers and presents- here is our annual picture, that I already put in my Hallmark ornament from my dad- one of my favorite gifts from him!

The girls are wearing matching dresses that Gee Gee sent! They loved them! I took nearly 200 pictures over the two days, so I had to condense them somehow- so I made a few collages- this way it won't take forever to see them! Here goes: I got a new watch from my parents that I love, and since Santa brought the Wii, Dana got me the Wii Fit- and I LOVE it!! Seriously, it is way better than I thought it would be!
Alex got lots of fun things- a new MP3 player, since he swam with his in the pool; a telescope from Grandma, new OSU gear from Ivy, new Mustangs from Sean and Steph, Bakugan game and many pieces from Grandma and Santa, and cool night vision goggles- he was so happy!
Leah is so easy and fun to shop for- she pretty much loves everything! So, she got a digital camera from Grandma, a MP3 player from Santa, that he hid in the tree, a new American Girl Doll, (the Target kind, they are $20 versus $100!!) She never stopped listening and singing to herself the entire day!
Celeste was so sick last Christmas, so it was so nice that she was well this year to enjoy it all! She got this big horse from Santa that she sat on nearly the entire morning! She got a Belle doll and laptop from Grandma, an Aurora dress up dress and a "baby jaguar" blanket! She was just so fun and so cute- just happy to be getting presents!
So there you have it, Christmas 2008 in a picture collage nutshell! I am so grateful for the simplicity in this year's celebrations. I love that my kids are getting older and are figuring out that Christmas is so much more than Santa and gifts- they begged to watch "Joy to the World" and "Lamb of God" this past week. They are learning to focus on the birth of the Savior and that brings me more joy than I can say. I am truly grateful for Him and His birth that we celebrate this season- I hope we never forget that THAT is what it is all about!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

I couldn't decide on just one card, so I did three somewhat different ones. Either way, the kids look adorable!! I could not get all three in a great picture together, so I opted to just use these ones I took in the fall. Much easier and simpler!

We send our love to you and wish you a very Merry Christmas! May the Spirit of Christ resonate in your hearts and homes as we celebrate his birth and life this Christmas season!

The weekend before Christmas and all through the house...

We are busier than a mouse!! Seriously, it shouldn't be this hard...there shouldn't be this much going on!! I don't like being this busy! I like being lazy better!!
It all started Tuesday with Leah's 1st grade play! She was a dog, named Alex who had 7 lines!! She did so great- and actually had to pinch hit for a classmate and deliver her lines too! You would've never known! She was fantastic! We are very proud of our Drama Girl!!

Then I had to make gifts for their teachers...so this is what I came up with for Alex's teacher who loves giraffes: It's just a white frame, from Ikea, that I Mod Podged on with metallic glitter. I glued two wooden giraffes from Jo Ann's together and then on the frame. She loved it.

Celeste was going to Dana's school for a concert, but before she left, I took these:

Then it was Holiday Party day at school, so of course I was helping with that- Leah's 1st grade class made gingerbread houses and Alex's class just played games- here they are:
As soon as I walked in the door from that, the phone rang and it was Ivy asking us if we wanted to go see the lights at the zoo because she had free passes! Okay, sure! So, an hour later, we were in the van, picking up Granny and heading to the zoo- it got much colder than I expected, but we had a blast! Thanks, Ivy!! We slept in today!! How nice is that?! But, I ran out and got a few last minute things, then got home to get ready for the Boothe's house- to make Gingerbread houses- but first, I made these:

Super cute and super easy! We took these with us, and this is the end result of our Gingerbread house: It was much better than last years' one- we are getting better!!Here is a preview of the other's houses. I will post more fun pics tomorrow...For now, it is nearly 11 and I am done!! This busyness is for the birds- yeah, the early ones, too!

Throwback Thursday 13- Christmas' Past

I found some old pics of Christmas past when I was a little girl. You will laugh, I did! Only one is dated, so I will try to put them in order as best I can.

Here is 1976- do you not love the look on Santa's face even better than mine?! I was just over a year old here. I just love it- and I am sure my parents bought it for the purpose of showing me what a cry baby I was with Santa. This is the only one I found of me and the man from the North Pole. Interesting, huh?

This is probably the same year- Do you not love Sean's leisure suit?! I love that I am still mad in this one too! You will notice the Christmas tree in the background is the same in the next few pictures. I must not have loved Christmas when I was this young, because I am still not happy in this one, either! I am a little proud of the doll bed and high chair, though- and see the stocking- I still have that one! My parents use it for me at their house! It has held up quite well!

Moving on, I finally get happy! Do you love the appliques on our jeans? How about the long sleeve under the tee- now that is a style I still love! My kids wear it all the time- see, some styles are better 30 years later! This is probably the same year, too- but this picture I remember- it was taken at my Grandma's house- and I got a roadrunner sleeping bag that I treasured! It lasted forever- seriously, my parents barely got rid of it! That was a fun Christmas with my extended family- and I love the cute dress I am wearing!

My parents have boxes upon boxes of old pictures, with many more Christmas ones- I just haven't gotten to look through all of them-maybe by next Christmas I will find some and do this again. I have so many memories of past Christmas' with my family...I will try to share some this coming week...

Girls Gone ________! (Shopping, of course!)

In above pic- Karen, me, Lish, Jackie, Tara, Suzanne, Julie and Melissa. Sitting is Tina and My Hien. This was Saturday before we headed out! We are ready!

This weekend was our annual "girls shopping trip" to the outlet malls! Words can't describe how I look forward to this trip every year! It is such a highlight in my year! I know, it doesn't take much, huh?!

Well, we had 10 girls this year- one of our biggest groups! Such fun, amazing women! We had some new faces this year- rookies Suzanne, Jackie, and Tara joined in and I am pretty sure they will sign up again next year! This is a unique, sort of elite group of girls, honestly- there are stipulations for being invited: - Lish started the group, so she is sort of responsible for this! They have to be FUN, FUNNY, and love to shop! The dynamics of the group can change from year to year, but rest assured, there is never a dull moment, and they didn't stop this year until Jackie and Julie went to sleep around 3am!

Suzanne, Jackie and I got there around 3:30 and met up with Lish, Melissa, Karen and Tara (all girls from her new ward). They had been there since 11am and had only gone down one row!! It takes a while when you shop in a group- but that is so part of the fun. I love to shop alone...honestly, I really do, EXCEPT when on this trip! I love the group shopping and togetherness of it all. Without friends around, who would I be able to laugh at all the crazy styles of clothes and shoes with?! That is the best part!

We of course hit Harry and David, where we all bought relish and yummy treats to share. We then hit Bob's for dinner before heading to our hotel. I didn't take pics at the hot tub- pretty sure some of the girls would not be happy with that- especially MyHien, who didn't bring her suit, but managed to get somewhat in the water! Picture that! But we weren't in the hot tub long, since it was not very clean and the water was too chlorinated.

We just ventured down to our adjoining rooms and got comfy till the wee hours of the morning! No, Lish sent us out around 12am, and then we stayed up a little later! The beds were awful, so we might as well stayed up all night anyway!

Saturday we started early- 9am and we stayed until around 4. We hit every store we wanted and some more than once! I did get some great deals- just fun, in expensive items, that I probably didn't need...but oh well! Tina got a coat again this year- she loves Wilson's! I got Celeste a new coat at OshKosh and myself some clothes at Gap and Banana Republic- an entire outfit for $15!

I am sad it has come and gone- but I have next year to look forward to- and trust me, I already am!! (oh, and while I was gone, the garage door broke! Another home repair!! Will it ever end?!)

Random Ramblings...

So, December has proven to be a busier month than I had planned. It is good, though, because we have had a lot of fun things going on! Here are some random shots of our last 11 days- The Ward Christmas Breakfast-
I left to go get my hair done, and so left Dana to take pics- this is the best he got-
The batteries needed charging, so he missed Leah altogether-

This is one of my favorite pictures of the month!
Our Ward Relief Society Enrichment Christmas Party- the White Elephant game-
Some of our women at the party- it was so nice and perfect!
Suzanne and MaryAnn had a whole musical selection for the party- it was so wonderful! Such talented women we have in our ward!
One more shot of the orange girl- I love it!

Today I leave for my girls shopping trip- so I will be sure to have pics and fun stories to post in a day or two! The month is just so busy, I hope I can take the time to savor the simple, wonderful signs of the season, and focus on them...it is the beauty of the Savior that makes this time worth all the busyiness. I am grateful for His birth and that we can celebrate it all year long, not just in December.

A Snowy Saturday

The snow was falling here like crazy on Saturday...so much snow, in fact that the kids couldn't wait to get out in it and play around. I caved in- despite the cold- oh so cold...here they are having so much fun! Celeste's attempt at a snow angel. She actually loved the snow this year!
Alex and his friend, Hannah play around the tree.

She was so cute, with her mismatched gloves- one mitten and one glove that was too big!
I love the way my camera did these action shots:


They were so proud of their ice block.

They stayed outside for well over an hour- Celeste lasted about 35 minutes, and then gave up! They were so cute- and they even managed to stay warm- and yes, I bought Celeste new mittens, and they even match her coat!

How Firm Thy Friendship- O-H-I-O!

Oh come let's sing Ohio's praise
And songs to Alma Mater raise
While our hearts rebounding thrill
With joy which death alone can still
Summer's heat or winter's cold
The seasons pass the years will roll
Time and change will surely (truly) show
How firm thy friendship ... OHIO!

I have some great friends! I have some that I have known since 1st grade, and some that I gained in High School that are treasures. These girls are steadfast friends, lifelong ones that I could not exist without. I feel blessed to have them still as my dearest friends.
I have tons of pics of these two and I throughout the years, even more memories, since they date back the furthest, but honestly, I don't know where they all are! So, you will have to be content with images that we grew up together, went through the ugly tooth phase together, big hair together and amazing fun adventures together.
Lisa and Christy lived only a few blocks from my house growing up. Christy's mom used to drive me to middle school, every morning for those 3 years! She was so nice. Lisa's family had this great boxer dog that was a really great dog- Sunny was her name and we loved her. We had slumber parties, stayed up late in Lisa's basement watching movies, and just hanging out. Time passed, we grew up, but in HS were still always together- Lisa ended up driving Christy and I to school everyday after she got her license- a year before me, since she has a fall birthday. She got a brand new purple Grand Prix when we were Juniors and it was a sweet ride. She never complained about picking us up everyday or driving us home- she was so nice. Honestly, these girls were the best friends I could have ever chosen. We went to prom together in a limo with our dates, and even had our graduation parties scheduled different dates so they didn't overlap. I can't remember much of my growing up without these two girls.
Times change, huh? I left for OSU, meaning I moved into the dorms- Christy stayed home, and went to OSU, soon later getting married, and Lisa went to Franklin and lived at home. I still loved these friends, but we didn't seem to see each other as much or spend the time together that we did in High School. Still, it didn't really matter, we knew our friendship was stronger than that. We all graduated around the same time, and would see each other here and there. Life moved on. Christy had a son, Lisa and I weren't even married!! I married Dana the next year and both my friends were at my reception. It was awesome. Last year, Lisa got married, and Christy and I got to attend her shower. We now have that in common and one more thing to keep us connected.
Through the years, despite moves to other states and family additions, we have stayed in touch. Never have either of them missed my birthday - either a call or a card, and usually both- and I have tried desperately to not miss too. Even though the visits are few and far between, we still have a kinship like no other friendship I have with any other girlfriends...this means a ton. Last month, Lisa came to visit and we all had lunch together...here we are now:

My other set of lifelong friends I met in High School...I have mentioned them before- they are my "girls night out" girlfriends...and I cannot tell you how much I love them, too. Renee, Angie and Wendy I met back when I was a Freshman. Again, I have many pics (somewhere) of those years, but more memories, and that is so much a part of our friendship. They are all a year ahead of me in school, but we managed to hang out back then and even more so now- despite having families and crazy schedules. We manage to escape from our hectic lives about every couple months for our get together. Last night was our Christmas girls night- and even though the weather was snowy and so cold, we were kept warm with laughter and fun stories until very late in the night, or should I say early morning?! No, we were early this time- we should just stay all night- but we don't - but I so think we should plan that....anyway...

Wendy didn't make it this time, sadly, she had a migraine, so it was just Angie, Renee, me and Gert- still never a dull moment! Since I have been on Facebook recently, I showed them some of the people that I have found, or have found me, and we just had a blast laughing till our faces hurt! Seriously, there was no alcohol involved!

We don't have shoes on, and I just tower above them! If they had their boots on, different story!

This pic we took this summer at Renee's pool where we hung out many times- there are three of us, and seven kids!! I am the youngest and have the most kids...go figure!

It was challenging to get everyone to look and so Leah and Nathan aren't focusing, but for the rest of us, we take what we can get!

The lyrics at the top are of Carmen Ohio- Ohio State's Alma Mater and I just love them, because they truly define these girlfriends' friendships in my life. How blessed I am to have amazing girls who are now women in my life- and for how they have enriched my life!

Leah's First Lost Tooth!

On Friday night, about 10 minutes after I put her to bed, Leah comes running downstairs very much excited to announce to me that she has her first ever "wobbly tooth"! She has called them "wobbly" ever since reading Charlie and Lola - one of their books about teeth falling out. I said, "wow- now go to bed!"- kidding, of course I indulged her a minute or two- she was so happy! So, on Saturday, when we went to visit Es and her kids, she of course told everyone, and discovered that Ethan, her cousin had his first loose tooth too! The same one! So, she wiggled that tooth all day and all day on Sunday too! Monday she woke up, and told me about it again, and had me feel it- I told her it probably had a few more days in it before was ready to come out- well, she apparently didn't want to wait that long, because as soon as she got in the van after school, she showed me, so proudly, her empty space and a tooth in a baggie! She had pulled it out in school- all on her own! Now, this is a first for me, because I have pulled ALL of Alex's loose teeth out of his mouth- he can hardly stand to do it by himself! I should have known that is Leah- she is determined, that girl of mine...she was so cute.

So, Monday night, the tooth fairy came, and this is her Tuesday morning:

She was even happier with the dollar- honestly, it doesn't take much to make her happy- they are all about the cash right now. Actually she spent it already- she bought Christmas gifts for her family that night- such a sweet girl. Just love her. Now she already wiggling the one beside it- pretty soon the tooth fairy will be broke!

Me, Love Christmas?! You decide...

Gift wrap or gift bags?
I love to wrap! I love to buy paper-and I have so much that I have to buy a new container for all the rolls! I have to steer away from the pretty papers when shopping for gifts. I seriously have to not even look because I could buy it all- I think I have another addiction...
I do like bags, though, and yes, I recycle them too!

Real or artificial tree?
Well, if I had my ultimate choice and it was my decision alone, I would choose a real tree- but, in the marriage of compromise, I lose this one, and we have a crappy $24.95 Walmart tree that we got in 2000. Every year I long to get a new one- even attempting to hit Home Depot last Friday at 6am for a pre-lit, but to no avail. Maybe next year. The real reason we don't ever get a real tree? Our first Christmas, we got one, and while we were in Chile, Dana's wonderful brother forgot to water it, and it died....therefore causing needles all over my carpet and when sweeping them up, broke our first vacuum. So there's the real story for ya.

When do you put up the tree?
Always the day after Thanksgiving. I love it- probably one of the best days of the year.

When do you take down the tree?
Before New Years Day. I get a little down after the big day, so getting my house back in order becomes top priority, and getting the new gifts out of the front room is even more important!

Do you like eggnog?
To be fair- I have never tried it- though I hope I never do, either.

Favorite gift as a child:
I would have to say a Cabbage Patch Doll. They were super hard to find, and when they were at a store, it became pandemonium to get one. It was an insane phenomenon. I cherished all of my dolls, and these kind were my favorite.

Hardest/easiest person to buy for:
I have several hard people to buy for: my dad, my brother, and one of Dana's sisters' (the one who has everything already!)
I have several easy people to buy for: Alex, Leah, Celeste, Dana, my mom and just about everyone else!

Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we have 3- one I started collecting before we were married- a Dreamsicles one- we bought one in Chile for Dana's mom, then she gave it back, and last year we got the Little People Nativity- and it is now my favorite.

Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
I mail mine- Dana chooses to email- and I say it's tacky and impersonal. I still send them out, and he emails his to other friends...sorry if you have been one of them!

Favorite Christmas movie:
Elf for sure- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is next- and Serendipity.

When do you start shopping for Christmas?
It depends...for my kids I can shop very early. If I find something cute for anyone, I pick it up, but generally I don't really start until October/November. I like to get it done with, but still shop the crowds, just don't try to have to get the hardest to buy gift during the rush.

Favorite things to eat during the holidays:
Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my parents house where we have all sorts of appetizers- each year they differ, but some stay the same, like Rotel dip and shrimp cocktail..can't wait!

Favorite Christmas song:
Dana just said that we have more Christmas CD's than any other kind! We love Christmas music, and I have too many favorites- one CD is just a variety of artists and we love it- the best song on there is by Bruce Springsteen- "Merry Christmas Baby"!

Angel or star on top of your tree?
This is the first year we have put a star on the top- usually we have just ribbon or a bow. I was just waiting to find the perfect star, and last year after Christmas I found it....at Target!

Open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
I try to change tradition every year...I don't win!! I hate the wait! I am so impatient, and so I try to get Dana to let us open a few early- he never concedes...so we exchange with each other on Christmas Eve, and with my parents, and the kids give each other theirs too- so Christmas morning it is all fun stuff from Santa. We give the kids gifts from us- always clothes- they are never that excited...!

Most annoying thing about the holiday season?
Slow cashiers!

Favorite ornament theme/color:
We have a kid tree- and all the ornaments, though kiddish are my favorites. My dad has been getting me a Hallmark photo one each year, that I put our whole family picture in that we take Christmas Eve. I love it because I can see how we have all changed through the year- they are my favorite to put up. Oh, and our first Christmas ornament- I love that one too.

Favorite Christmas dinner:
We eat at my parent's and my dad does a yummy ham. We have great side dishes, and sometimes my brother will bring these delicious twice stuffed potatoes they sell at his deli. My dad does Prime Rib about every other year- I don't eat it, so I get something different instead!

What do you want for Christmas?
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!
Oh, and a Wii Fit! (Actually I already know it's waiting for me!)

Now, if that was fun, and you want to play too- it's your turn! Merry Christmas to you...23 days early!