Christmas Eve

It was our year to have everyone over on Christmas Eve.  We enjoyed a yummy dinner of Prime Rib, Salmon, Red Potatoes, Corn, Pretzel Raspberry Salad, Homemade Rolls and Peppermint Ice Cream Pie.

I made Old English Crackers for everyone.  You fill them up with little candies, a thought, and prize and then you pop them open! That is what you see at the head of the table setting. They had their name on them.

                                                       The Jones Family

                                          Deb and AJ

                                           The Jackson Family

                                                       Keith

                      No picture of the Williams Family, because Megan had to run home after they got here and so AJ forgot to get one.

                                          Our Buffet Style Dinner

                                          Presenting the Christmas Story - the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ

                                          Cory was our narrator

                    
                                           Opening the Gifts

                                          The Christmas Pajamas

                                          and then dessert...

and then home to sleep and wait for Santa Claus...

May we always remember the Spirit of Christmas and never let it end! 

December Happenings

The first part of December we attended Ava's dance recital.  I loved it and I love all the music. Ava practiced and practiced and did a wonderful job. 

 On the second Monday of December all the families came over for breakfast for dinner and then we went shopping for several Sub for Santas.  We are making this a tradition in our family and want the grandchildren to experience buying toys and clothes for children that wouldn't be able to have a very nice Christmas without little helpers.  We have done this the last two years and as they get older hopefully they will understand more the significance of what we are doing. This is one of our most favorite things to do during the Christmas season. 

 During this week I was able to attend Ava's preschool program.  And then AJ & I were responsible for the ward Christmas dinner.  It turned out great and I think everyone had a great time.

 That weekend we had the Jackson Family Christmas Party

 This section is for me.  As I get older I think I will remember from year to year how I put up my Christmas decorations and for the most part I do but there are things I forget about.  These pictures are so I can go back and look at next year.  This first picture is of my wreath and garland that I made using Christmas ornaments from the dollar store.  The total price for both combined was under $15.00.  I love how they turned out.

 The last Monday before Christmas we had a progressive dinner.  We all met at Cory and Tara's for appetizers. 

 Then we drove over to Krin and Court's for a relish tray and Krin read all the kids a Christmas Story.

Our house was next where we enjoyed eating Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Rolls...

 and then to Megan and Tyler's for Dessert....

I loved the idea but I might be voted down if I want to do it next year.

Thanksgiving

Sad but AJ didn't take any pictures and I made placemats for the kids and invitations for every family with leaves for them to write what they are thankful for and a Thanksgiving bingo that we enjoyed playing.  We had a great meal and loved sharing our messages of thanks and gratitude.  Since we had Thanksgiving on Wed. night I could start putting up my Christmas decorations on Thursday.  AJ went to work for the day and I put on all my Christmas music and enjoyed getting everything up.  I finished on Friday so I could enjoy watching the Chirstmas movies on the Lifetime and Hallmark channels.  My kids make fun of me because I've seen them all except each year they do make a few new ones. But it doesn't matter I love to sit there, watch and cry.  They are so touching.

November Birthdays

We celebrated two birthdays during the month of November.  One more year until I'm really over the hill. I made my own dessert.  I wanted to try a recipe from Studio 5 (a local tv program that I enjoy watching).  It was really good and yummy.

Krin turned the big 30 this year and celebrated throughout the month.  Since her birthday fell on Thanksgiving Day and we were having our dinner Wednesday night we surprised her with a get together on Sunday evening.  Court came over and decorated on Saturday morning, but the crazy part was then she called and wanted us to babysit Saturday afternoon.  Sort of hard to keep things hidden and quiet when your babysitting their kids. We did our best but Elsie said things that made Krin suspicious. I think Krin had a great birthday celebrating with her friends and family.  Happy 30th Krin!

                                                          Making her Wish!

Cutting her ice-cream cake

Waiting patiently