Happy New Year!!!!

We've turned our Christmas tree into a New Years tree, and the kids are more then excited to stay up all.night.long.

I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen, though I'm not beneath changing our clocks ahead so that we can ring in our "New Year" together!    

We hope 2013 brings blessings and happiness for all our family and loved ones!!!

Boxing Day and celebrating almost half a quarter of a Century

Every year we do the same thing on Boxing Day by going on a wintry drive out to Waterton.   

We do this every.Single.Year.

I'm not going to lie and say that the kids enjoy it necessarily, because for the most part, the idea of leaving their newly acquired toys for an hour or two is pretty much the worst thing I could ever ask of them.    However, once we get out there, they love it just as much as I do.    Really, I'm sure that they do!:) 

I knew it was going to be a beautiful day out there as we spotted a Golden Eagle perched on a fence post along the highway.       Jessica was so excited, that she loudly proclaimed to Grandpa that he must be our good luck "driving buddy" because every time he comes with us - we see Eagles!!

Of course, we also saw lots of deer, sheep, and a giant herd of Elk as well.    After a freezing cold week of minus 20 temperatures the animals were probably all happy for the warmer weather!   

To switch things up a little bit, (and to appease our poor children), we stopped at my favorite restaurant Vimy's for some lunch!  I loved it so much, I'm thinking that we'll have to add this in as part of our annual tradition:)

We spent the rest of that day, as well as the day after, lazing around watching movies, playing games together and enjoying the fact that we didn't have to go anywhere!!!     

We got a chance to meet up with our friends the Salmons for a bit, which is always nice.    Because John was in the middle of a bathroom painting job I'd signed him up for, and because our house reeked of paint, we opted to go tobogganing.    

These kids had endless amounts of energy and kept climbing the giant hill over and over again.   

I was happy to stay at the top and visit with Shauna!

And you know...take pictures...and important stuff like that:)

December 28th was an important day for us, as it marked our 11th wedding Anniversary!

ELEVEN!!!     That's so cool of us right?

Okay, really, I know that 11 years isn't much, but it is almost half of 25, which is a quarter of a century. 

 So really- it's like we've been married for almost half a quarter of a century!;)  

Whoa.   When put that way, it just boggles my mind.  hahaha   

In the past almost half a quarter of a century we've managed to create and hopefully not wreck four other little personalities who have helped to make the past almost half a quarter of a century so darn blissful.   

And yes- it's all been blissful, every last bit of it.   Just ask John;) 

To celebrate, we had our niece Ava babysit, and we went to see the Hobbit with John's Dad.  

Some people may think going on a date with your Father in Law is not an ideal way to spend an anniversary, but I totally disagree.   It was great fun!    Besides,  it seemed only appropriate, seeing as almost half a quarter of a century ago I attended "The Fellowship of the Rings" with John's parents and a few of his siblings just two days before I married John.   I remember pretending to love the movie, probably just in an effort to impress the future in laws.     Truthfully, I spent the whole movie wanting to gouge my eyes out with a fork!    

But here we are,  almost a half a quarter of a century later - and I pretty much like it for real now.  Especially when watching in the company of those who mean so much to me.  

 That's what marriage does to you.   It changes you for the better right?    

Happy Anniversary John!

Here's to many more almost half a quarter centuries together!!!!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day came and went in a blur.  

A big, fat, beautiful and lazy BLUR!

Here's what I loved about it:

*  The kids let us sleep until 7:30 am.    If I recall my own childhood - it could have been much...MUCH earlier.  ;)

*  Jessica got an American Doll like she's been wanting for a whole year

* Nathan was confused and thought it was his birthday.  (shocker)  

* Sam would occasionally faint with excitement after opening a gift of his  (he tends to be dramatic:)

* Abby was Santa's little helper this year, and I LOVED that she thanked us (her parents) for her gives this year, and NOT that other guy!  

* Sam got a little ipod shuffle -but keeps telling everyone that he got an IPHONE!!  

* Unwrapping gifts took approximately 60 seconds.   FYI- Cleaning up the aftermath took about 40 minutes;)   

* After spending a lazy morning and afternoon playing with the kids, we went over to Grandpa's house for a beautiful Turkey Dinner.   I capitalized those two words to show my respect and love for Max's Turkey Dinners!!!!   num num num....

* After eating a meal fit for royalty - the kids retired to the living room where they could dance to Christmas tunes played by Aunt Rachel on the flute.    (Those who couldn't dance sat on the couch and stared at ipads like a bunch of mindless drones?! lol)

* Perhaps the best gift of all though, is that John finally relented and let Jessica have the puppy she's always wanted!   I have to admit - he's kind of a cutie:)

JUST KIDDING!!!

That's Rachel's puppy THOR!  But if you were to ask Jessica- she'd tell you that THOR was the best part about Christmas Day!!!     (To each his own, I suppose;)

Such a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Christmas Eve Party we cancelled, and the Christmas Eve Party we had!

We didn't have much planned for Christmas Eve, which is exactly how I like it.    I love spending my holidays having to be no where at all:)    

Little did I know though that plans really had been made.   

You see, last week, I had given Sam a stack of Christmas cards and told him that he could write Christmas notes to his friends and pass them out on the last day of school.   Sam spent quite a while on those cards, and though I never checked over his work, I was certain that his friends would enjoy whatever he wrote.    Harmless right?

Well apparently, Sam had more in mind then that.   Instead of simply writing a "Have a Merry Christmas" note - he turned some of his cards into INVITATIONS for his very own Christmas Eve PARTY!!!    I mean, who wouldn't in his position, right?

I knew none of this at all until Christmas Eve morning, when I got a phone call from some parents enquiring about the exact address for this party.     It was the most confusing and embarrassing experience EVER - yet for some reason, all I could do was laugh!   He'd made sure to include the date ("Christmas Eve"), the Time ("10-12 in the day") and the place ("Sam's house") 

Geesh this kid!!!!

Nothing like cancelling your 7 year old's Christmas Eve party to kick off the festivities!

Luckily, a few hours later, we were able to have a party.   Just on a much much smaller scale:)

Grandpa joined us for Christmas Eve dinner and showed up with a couple of live Lobsters too!    

The kids were delighted by these little crustaceans.  Luckily, despite the fact that Jess wanted to keep one for a pet, we all enjoyed eating them!     I'm afraid John (and many of his siblings) would agree that nothing says "Christmas Eve" like a Steak & Lobster dinner.    I've always been more then happy to go along with this family tradition:)   Yummy!

Jessica was truly entranced with this whole "lobster thing" this year, and actually saved one of the Lobster claws, washed it out, let it dry, and carried it around with her for the rest of the night!!!   She was often found chasing others around waving "The Claw" menacingly in their faces.    (That night,  as we were preparing to go to bed, I went in to check on her and there she was, fast asleep - with the CLAW resting peacefully beside her.    It was both kinda funny and kinda gross, all at the same time.)

After dinner, and before Jessica took some of the dinner scraps to bed with her ...we took a few minutes to read about the birth of Christ.   While John read, we played the parts.   Abby was a wise man.  Sam was a Shepherd.    Jessica was Mary.  And I had to be Joseph because Nathan didn't want to be any part of it.    

In fact, the only thing that Nathan wanted to be a part of - was opening presents!    He seemed convinced that it was HIS birthday, and that ALL of the presents under our tree were really intended for him.    We realized this when he came upstairs after dinner excitedly holding the new Pokemon Ball  he'd just unwrapped.   What a little butt!

After we acted out the Nativity, and opened a couple of Christmas Eve gifts (jammies and slippers;) we gave the kids a second to scatter their reindeer food.

They set out a plate full of cookies, a carrot, AND some Eggnog for Santa....

and then it was off to bed!!!!!   

I personally love putting my kids to bed on Christmas Eve.  They are just bursting with excitement, yet it's still pretty much the one.time.each.year when they willingly go right to sleep!! 

  I always look forward to this night for that one reason:)

Because we now have a child who is a "non-believer" we let Abby stay up late with us while we had snacks and watched Christmas with the Kranks.   Then Abby got to help us place the presents under the tree and fill the stockings.   

She took this role very VERY seriously, and I think she felt privileged to get to help.

Shortly after midnight, we finally went to bed, and fell asleep looking forward to the fun that awaited us on Christmas day.

Need A Little Christmas - (and a Video;)

I am very much relieved to say that I am finally feeling a bit of Christmas spirit.   Despite all my efforts the past few weeks, I don't think I could really get too excited when my family was always going in different directions, you know?    Luckily, we are now OFFICIALLY on Christmas break, and I already feel that relaxing holiday feeling sinking deep into my soul.    

And not a moment too soon, that's what I say!!!    

This evening we took my Father in law in to Lethbridge for dinner at the Firestone.    We never eat out, so this was kinda a big deal;)   All I wanted was to make it through the meal without Nathan climbing underneath someone else's table.    Luckily- that never happened!   We enjoyed seeing John's Sister Rachel and her family, including their newest family member - a yorkie named Thor!  :)   

After we left the restaurant, I took Abby, Sam and Jess to Walmart.    They each drew a name and then proceeded to find a gift to buy for one of their siblings with their OWN hard earned money.   Jessica and Abby both did a great job finding awesome gifts for their person.    Sam managed to find himself a set of pokemon cards.    (He may have missed the point there;)   

 We walked out of the store to find that the sky was dropping big, fat, snowflakes...for the first time in quite a while.   Abby was so thrilled she immediately broke into song, singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas."   Jessica began to literally wish everyone and everything around her a Merry Christmas too;)    A stranger, headed into the store, turned to her and said, "Merry Christmas to you too little blonde girl," which kinda creeped me out, but delighted Jess.  

We came home, turned on a Christmas movie, and helped the kids wrap their gifts for each other.

It was pretty much a most super night!

I'm happy to announce, that we've had our very own Christmas Elf in our home this year.   Initially, I promised myself that I would never...NEVER welcome an Elf  into my home.  Having one just seemed like so much extra work,  and after getting in trouble with John for lying so much to Abby last year, I figured the last thing I needed was an Elf!   

But then one day, a little Elf named Buddykins just appeared on our doorstep.  

POOF!! Just like that!   

What was I to do?

Turns out, having an Elf spy on you is actually LOTS of fun!!!  

This one though, is a bit naughty, I have to say:)

One day she (ahem..."Buddykins") toilet papered Sam's room, all because he didn't make his bed!  Another time, we woke up to find her zip lining through the house!   It's not a strange sight at all to find her nestled in the fridge.  Who knows why?  The kids think she just wants to be somewhere cold like the North Pole.   

(Personally, I think she just runs out of ideas of where to hide, that's all;)

We went Christmas carolling the other night, for the first time ever!   

I had to take a picture of the kids outside this house, because it was by far their favorite one to go to.   They affectionately dubbed this house, "Gum drop Lane!"   hahaha

Last of all, John threw this music video/message together, and we're sending it along to all of you for your Christmas viewing enjoyment.     Perhaps you remember our Summer Reunion Music Video?

Oh what's that?   You don't remember it at all?    Pity.   (John's family was so thrilled to be a part of it;)   

Well again, in similar fashion, we devoted an entire Family Home Evening to dancing and singing, and John spent lots of ...ur...well...minutes editing this Christmas message just . for . YOU!

I feel the need to warn you- it's painfully cheesy.  Like- to the MAX!!!  
But let's be honest- so is Christmas:)  

So from our house to yours- we hope Christmas finds you well, and we hope it is the best one EVER!!!!

Love, 

US!

A day in the life of Sam

Last week, Sam took a little digital camera to school, which was probably a big mistake.

You see, he was needing a picture of a few of his buddies to use in a Christmas gift he's giving to them, and against my better judgement - I let him take the old camera.
   I'm pretty sure he was making all sorts of "FOIP" issues all across the board, but what was I to do?  

When he got home, John and I uploaded all of his photos from the day,  and I almost laughed so hard I cried.    It would be safe to guess that this kid never put the camera down for a second.   It's a wonder he managed to learn anything at all!   There were photos and PHOTOS and when there weren't any more photos- there was footage!!!    (yup.  Sam figured out how to use the video feature, and as a result, we were blessed with a NINE MINUTE play by play of his afternoon recess!   And it wasn't pretty. haha)   

So, I thought I'd share a few of the photos that I found especially funny.
 (Well, at least the photos I found funny WITHOUT other kids in it;)

I was actually quite impressed with this shot for a couple of reasons.   It's proof that Sam actually makes it to the Bus on time each morning.   Not just on time- but on this particular morning he clearly managed to be the first one on the bus all together!



As Sam and I came to this picture he said, "Oh and Mom.  I took this picture for you, because, you know, I just know that you really like, cute sunsets and stuff."   

It instantly became my favorite picture ever;)  I would have called it a "Beautiful Sunrise" but "Cute Sunset" works too:)   

I love, love, LOVE this next picture.    It literally makes my heart happy!

You know how most parents (the good ones) send their kids off each day with lovely words of advice like "Remember who you are" or "Don't forget I love ya"?
 Well, every morning I send  my kids off, and tell them these three things:
   1) "Don't be taking your hair out of that ponytail!"   

 2)  Remember NOT to touch the fountains with your mouth!
  3) And keep your bottle of hand sanitizer close by!

It's just really nice to see that Sam hears me, ya know?;)

I took one look at this picture and the only thing that came to my mind was that he was probably supposed to be paying attention to his teacher at this very moment.    He just looks sorta sly.   And slightly spastic.

Sly and Spastic combined.  

I love  walking through an elementary school and looking at all the cute bulletin boards.  Sam obviously appreciates a well designed bulletin board as much as I do,  because he took half a dozen shots of this one alone:)

Oh, and what would a typical school day be to Sam without a bit of Pokemon Card trading.    Sam has gotten into trouble over these cards, cried his heart out over "losing" some,  been forbidden to take them to school anymore, and yet...

....here's proof that he still manages to get them into his backpack without me knowing it!  

Busted Sam!!!

To conclude this insightful post about Sam, here's a little joke,  (he obviously learned at school) that he pretty much repeats to us every other night at dinner. 

(Silly me, I am always so distracted that I fall for it every time too:)

Sam:  "Hey Mom.  Can I have that thing... under there?"

Me:  "Under Where?"

Sam:  "Ha!   You said UNDERWEAR!"

That pretty much sums up a typical day in the life of my seven year old, and I'm sorry for the time most of you spent kindly reading this.  (There's five minutes of your life that you will never get back:)

{Being Present}

Wow this past week was busy!   

I think it is fair to say that this week, this one week in December, is without fail-  the busiest of the year!  Most nights this week were spent rushing from one Christmas event to the next, sometimes juggling two or even THREE things in one night!     In the past 6 days we attended the temple, two ward parties, and three choir concerts!  I hired a sitter three times, did my visiting teaching (thank you very much:),  made John go to his staff Christmas party alone and I managed to forget to pick Abby up from her piano lessons on one cold snowy morning.  (She showed up at our door, late for school, sobbing big fat alligator tears:(    

Clearly, my energy levels and performance seemed to peeter out by weeks end, and although I LOVE all the Christmas fun that comes with this week, I had let all the things I needed to do distract me from the true joy of this season.   

(Abby and Mya after singing at one of their Christmas concerts)

  

A couple of things this week though helped remind me of what matters most.    

For starters, I had a conversation with a friend several nights back, in which she mentioned how important it has become for her to be entirely "PRESENT" in each moment for those she loves.    She spoke of how she wanted her family and loved ones to know and feel that they had her complete attention.     As soon as she said this, I knew it was just what I needed to hear.  

But Still.  My week was SO BUSY!!!!!

And I continued to rush about ever so aimlessly.   

Then Friday hit.   

Out of Friday, came one of the saddest stories that I have heard of in a long time, and it left me wanting to never let my kids out of my sight again.     I realized then that the time to be "present" in my children's life is NOW!

So, in the past few days, I've tried harder to do just that.  

  In trying,  I've been reminded that being present in each given moment,  is really more of a present for me then it is for them.    

  

For example, Friday afternoon, after Nate and I finished visiting teaching - I rushed us home, ready to begin the long list of things I thought I needed to do.   Nate had found an unopened box of Chocolates and was insisting on eating them right then, at that very moment.  For a second, I was a bit frustrated with both his timing and his determination.    Then I gave up.  I sat down beside him on the stair he was on and ate some chocolate too;)           We pretty much ate an entire box of Toffifee, and I'll admit I don't really take the time to "talk" to my three year old as often as I should, but I really enjoyed the conversation that day.    

When the kids got home from school, Abby immediately retired to her room to read.     I decided to seize the moment alone with her, and laid down in her bed beside her.   I was surprised at how quickly she set the book down, and snuggled deep into my arms, obviously needing a little mommy time.   We talked about her day, and about "that time this week when I'd forgotten to pick her up after piano lessons."   Giving her just a small amount of my time seemed to do wonders in restoring her hopes in me, and I think she's forgiven me.   I pretty much went from zero to hero in her eyes in 5 minutes flat!    

Later that night,  after dinner, we loaded everyone up to go look at Christmas lights.    We made sure to bring Grandpa Max along, and even stopped at Dairy Queen so that we all had a frozen treat to eat while we drove around.     I love it when Grandpa comes with us, as it gives me a reason to sit in the back with the kids.    No computers, no chores, no phone....nothing to do but enjoy the moment with those I love most.     

Luckily, there were lots of spectacular Christmasy lights to enjoy too!!

(This continues to be a favorite house of ours to visit:)

Nate just eating his ice cream cone...with a spoon:)

We got a kick out of this house.   I was torn between whether I should take a picture, or go rescue the guy!  hahaha.

Candles, Gingerbread, and a little bit o' Summer!

 Every year on Dec 1st we begin our families most favorite holiday tradition.   Ever since I was a kid, I have eating dinner every night, for the entire month of December, ... by candle light!      

To say this is John's favorite tradition as well would be an exaggeration.    More like he endures it, because I insist on it.    It doesn't matter that the kids always blow out the candles way too early,  or that Abby often tries to skewer her food and cook it over the flame, or that Nate has at times come close to burning the house down. 

 None of that matters!   

What matters is that we are taking the time to bond, and enjoy being together, and feel all good about this holiday time, and stuff like that.     In my opinion, that can only happen while eating by the light of a cozy, Christmasy candle!!!

  

I also think it is important to note that, this week, we finished all the Christmas shopping.   And when I say "finished" I mean it!    The gifts are bought, wrapped, and in hiding.     Every stocking stuffer is sorted and ready to go.    Kids gifts to their teachers are ready to be taken to school, as are the gifts and cards they've prepared for some of their friends.  

Done.

Done.

And DONE!!!!!

It feels good.    

On Monday, I took Jessica to the dentist and was told that she has FOUR cavities!   To be honest, that's really not too bad for me, considering my record at the dentist office, but I was kinda hoping that this would be the year in which we all made it without any cavities.     

Don't worry though, the disappointment wore off quickly,  (probably more quickly then it should:) because by 6:00 that evening, we had a house full of hyper little kids, and a table FULL of all sorts of cavity inducing candy!    

We'd invited a couple of families in our ward over for a gingerbread house building contest.  It was fun to visit, and the kids teamed up to create some pretty darn innovative houses if you ask me.    If you were to ask Abby though- she would insist on you calling hers a "gingerbread OBSERVATORY!"

If you want the best icing recipe for building Gingerbread houses - get it here!

We're gearing up for a busy week of Christmas fun, and I'm hoping that I get through it with my sanity still in tact.   (no promises though:)   

I LOVE this time of year!!!

*****

On an unrelated note, I receive word this week that a few of my photos received some recognition in a couple of contests.     

In a new contest that I had just heard about this year - this photo of "Lunch Creek" won 1st place!  Yippeee!!!

John grew up picnicking with his family at this Creek, so I kinda like that I have this picture now.

This photo of Bertha Falls won Second place

And this photo of the falls at the end of the Trail of the Cedars won Third place!

My favorite landscape photo contest is the Experience Waterton Contest.  I always make sure to enter a picture or two (or five) each year:)     If you go to the website, you may notice another winner from town:)!

This photo was awarded 2nd place, and I'm so glad, because it is one of my favorite spots to go whenever I go for a drive now.  

 These beautiful falls are located just off of Cameron Road just a minute or two before you reach the lake.    For years, I've missed out on it because I was so busy not paying attention!!

This picture which I titled "Good Morning Waterton" received honorable mention.  

Every time I look at it, I remember the beautiful early morning stroll I got to have along the shore one lucky day this past summer.    LOVED it!   

Even though, I'm really enjoying this Christmas season, it is kinda fun to look back at these pictures and remember warmer days:)!

Christmas Cards- Check!

One of my most favorite neighbors EVER brought over a card making kit a while back for the kids.   It was an absolutely brilliant thing to give 4 rowdy little piglets, who have a Mom who just happened to be needing a few minutes of peace and quiet at that very moment!!! :)

Abby, Sam and Jess immediately got to work and determined that their cards would be going to their school Teachers on the last day of school before holidays.   

I've grown tired of stressing out over what to give these wonderful Teachers of theirs, so I decided to let my kids have free reign this time.   It was my hope that by letting them make the cards all on their own, AND write whatever their little hearts wanted to say, that these gifts would be more meaningful in the end.    (Just in case though- I was sure to slip in a little something extra to compensate. :) 

I have to say, I love what the kids did.  Each card has the cutest cards with the funniest messages:

Abby kept hers short and sweet.     (I love how she scribbled out "ya" at the end;)    Perhaps I should have had Abby re-do this card fixing her mistakes, but nope - it was hers to make this year!)

This is for Sam's teacher.   Of course, I had to do the writing, but he dictated each and every word. 

(Mrs. Toone is my Aunt, and Sam's right by the way, she has been a very VERY good Aunt:) haha.   

Jessica's note is the most darling one of all!

As she told to me specifically what I was to write down, I had a hard time keeping her on track.  

She was just so darn busy listing ALL the things she LOVES about well...everything!  lol

"Mrs. Allred,

              I LOVE ALL these fun holidays!!!   I love all the things that are in your centres.   I had a very fun time at the Halloween party.   I LOVE that you always make fun stuff for us!    

I hope that you have a fun Christmas and that you have fun with your Grandchildren.   

Love Jessica"

Well there's a lot more Christmas card goodness where that comes from, but I have to keep some of it secret, no?

We're that much closer to Christmas, and we are E-X-C-I-T-E-D!!!!

"Oh Martha!  Oh Christmas!!!!"

(Ps: name that movie quote and you may just get your own personalized Christmas Card as a prize:)

2nd Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

Yesterday, after a ridiculously busy morning, we headed out to the community pasture for our 2nd ever Christmas tree search.   We made sure to grab John's Dad so that he could come along for the ride.    It's always extra special when Grandpa joins us!   John was soo excited to find us a Fir tree like he did last year.   It's a good thing that the weather was so ideal, because we spent a lot (as in a LOT) of time digging our way into the thickest of forest in an attempt to either find the perfect tree, or keep up with John.  

 (I'm really not too sure what we were doing half the time:)    

I sure LOVE being so close to Chief Mountain!

THINGS THAT WERE SPOKEN BY VARIOUS FAMILY MEMBERS AS WE HIKED IN THE WOODS:

"I know that we've seen a dozen great spruce trees.  But it's a Fir tree I want."

"AbBY!  Get that tree OUT.OF.MY.WAY!"

"Don't eat the yellow snow guys!  It's probably Bear Pee."

"John, seriously?"

"Whoa.   Okay, that branch in my face was great.   No, really, thanks for that Mom."

"Too.much.walking.   ....can't.go.on!"

"Oh, Heavenly Father, please let us find a fir tree so we can end this and go home."

"If you kids walk through the mud one more time...."

"John,  I think we should be following your Dad?"

"Are we going in circles?"

"Q:  What if we see a Bear?

A:  I'll hit it ...with this stick... in the eye!"

"John, just grab that log there.   I'll just decorate that!"

"Q:  Tanis, what do you think of this one?

A:  Love it.  It's great.  ...Now, let's go!"

"Well that was FUN wasn't it?!!!"

There was lots of mud to trudge through.  Sam and Nate sat down more then they walked!  The evening sun was stunning.  And I found a wolf print, which Max insists was a really just a coyote.   (killjoy;)  

Finally though, FINALLY, we found a tree.

John and Max cut it down, and hauled it all the way back to our van.

And the kids celebrated their accomplishment!!

Here it is after we were finished with it.   It was actually quite a bit larger then we expected, and when we hauled it into the house it literally took up a third of the room.  I had to give it a little trim (I took off half of it:) and we tried our best to fill in the big bare patches with decorations.   Of course, that left thousands of needles on the carpet for me to vacuum up, and I'm already annoyed with how often it needs to be watered, but we love our live little tree, just the same.  

I think Max summed it up the best, when he said:

"Well, it's not quite a Charlie Brown Tree.  ...But it's close!:)"

December 1st

If December 1st is any indication- this month is going to FLY by and be one.big.party!!!

John, the kids and I went from one thing to the next today, kicking off the Christmas month officially- in some of my favorite ways:

For starters, we all went to our Primary Pancake Breakfast.   The kids filled up on pancakes topped with whip cream, syrup, candy cane sprinkles, gummy bears, smarties,  skor bits and more!    I'm pretty sure all the parents appreciated us sending their kids home in a state of sugar induced madness.

I recruited John to come so that he could lead the kids in carols afterward.  

(I love it when John plays his guitar.)

After the pancake breakfast, we all headed down to the local Christmas Craft Show.    The kids bought some candy (because they obviously didn't get enough at breakfast?), Abby got a pair of earrings, and we managed to snag this super awesome picture with Santa and the Mrs.    

I'm not entirely sure the kids bought into it, if their faces are any indication.  haha.   

We hurried home for a quick lunch, and then picked up Grandpa before driving out to the Community Pasture to get our Christmas Tree.     It's becoming a little tradition for us, and I love it!

I've got so many pictures to share of our afternoon in the woods, but I'll save that for the next post!!!