I love Christmas! There is a feeling in the air that makes you love and appreciate those around you more than any other time of year! We had a great Christmas this year! The kids were excited about their gifts! They were so excited to be able to give things to each other! They made simple cards for each other or found objects around the house to wrap and put under the tree for each other ;) (like my fabric cutting mat and old toys) I think we went through 15 roles of wrapping paper!!! Dallas had an awesome auction at school and got some really cool stuff for everybody in the family! (like an actual American Girl Doll for Mackenzie!) Jordan understood more about what was happening. For several days after, he would ask at bedtime if Santa was going to come again in the morning :) It was just fun! On Saturday, we went to Rich's grandparents and by way of Temple Square on the way home. It was FREEZING outside! It was about 19 degrees - literally! Our hands were cold even inside of gloves! But it was nice to see all of the beautiful lights and the beautiful Temple! How blessed we are to live this close to so many beautiful Temples, especially Salt Lake! I hope every one had a wonderful Christmas and took the time to remember the real reason for the season! 
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
We had a WONDERFUL Christmas!
Gingerbread houses
One of the kids favorite things to do during the Christmas season is decorate gingerbread houses. They have so much fun!
Once again, Dallas is our big helper with Jordan! :) Thank you Dallas!
Macie hangin out
Cohen enjoying crackers and candy
My gingerbread manger scene
Mackenzie's house, she insisted she wanted it small
Jordans
Dallas's ranch
Brinleys final house, done COMPLETELY by herself! Good job Brinley!
Micailey's, complete with front steps up to the door Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas pictures
Every year, Christmas pictures get harder! This year... yep, harder! Micailey was on one all day, Macie didn't want anything to do with smiling. So, you get what you get I guess... So here are the best ones.
The boys
The girls
And all the kids together :)Decorating Gingerbread Men
We tried making actual gingerbread men from scratch this year. The kids had a blast and the cookies were yummy! So I think it is going to be a new tradition for our family :) 
Jordan and Dallas
Mackenzie
Carefully placing her candy!
Cheeser Brinley
Dallas is SUCH a good big brother! He is always volunteering to help the boys with their projects! They LOVE him tons because of it too!
Micailey's is almost done!
getting ready to put on her gum drop buttons!
Jordan's finished gingerbread man
And she's finished!
Kenzie is finally finished!
And here is Dallas's masterpiece!
And after they all went to bed... Mom got a turn :) I don't know who had more fun!.... them or me! Thursday, December 24, 2009
Seeing Santa
I had to laugh when I saw this picture.... I am sad it turned out blurry, the camera was on the wrong setting, but you still get the idea....
Sometimes you have to laugh or you just might cry :) Just kidding, but wow! We've multiplied.Making ornaments...
I have had this project for several years to do and just haven't gotten around to doing it. This year I finally decided to tackle it and.... what a mess!!!! We had fake snow EVERYWHERE! The kids were whining to help get the snow in the ball and it took forever... they did have fun putting on the faces and the hats, but really, I'm glad it's over! But they did turn out really cute
It's hard to see his black top hat
Decorating the Trees
This is "Mom's Tree". This year I went with my sister and bought all new ornaments for it! It was so fun! It looks so pretty in person. The camera just doesn't do it justice.
I did let the kids help decorate this year & they did a really good job too!
