Christmas Morning

My kids have a tradition they started several years ago.  On Christmas eve Sadie or Drew set their alarm for somewhere around 3:00 am.  Then,  they wake up the other kids, and head down to the family room to see what Santa brought. Gentry was hoping this Christmas that  Santa would bring her the Playmobil mansion (all my kids have loved these toys growing up and I love how they foster creativity).  So, Santa delivered this Christmas morning and Gentry was thrilled.  Later that afternoon Drew and I were talking.  I commented

I wonder if  Gentry thought Santa would bring her the mason?

Drew responded

I'm pretty sure she did cause when I woke her up (1:30 am this year) she said, 'just a minute' then ran over and grabbed her ship so she could sail her playmobil people down to see their new home.  

After breakfast went to church. I was hoping to get a pic of all of us in church clothes....

before I could even say, "Don't change your...." Sierra and G were back in their PJ's.  I couldn't blame them.

My dad did a silver point drawing of each of the kids this year.  

You know how hard it is to surprise your kids as they get older?  Sierra has been asking for a typewriter for over a year.....and this year, her Grandma (Mumsie) delivered...and I caught it on camera.

The boy is ready for the slopes (as soon as the collarbone heals!)

Slap watches from the cousins, very cool.

And for my hubby, a year supply (if it's rationed) of Matta's salsa.

My dad was puzzled... he was reading a certificate saying that we're getting them a computer.

He seemed pleased.

Gregg's favorite place to be is "the ranch".....my dad painted a landscape of it.

A new guitar????

Multi-tasking....Drew took off his sling long enough to try out his new phone and guitar strap.

Merry Christmas 2011

Potato Soup

Our Christmas Eve.

 Gentry woke up at 6:45 this morning and came into our room to tell us she and Sierra were going for a bike ride.  Gregg told her not until 8:00.  She didn't go back to sleep...until 15 minutes before dinner tonight.

 Forty years ago my dad made a humble "potato soup" that, through the years, has become a little less humble (butter, cream, paprika) and also a family tradition. Did I mention it's unbelievably delicious?

Chocolate sauce for crepes tomorrow....yes, my dad loves to be in the kitchen as much I love to be out of it. Win, win!

She woke up happy (thankfully).

Drew off pain meds....finally!

My momma.

I told you they really did like those pajamas.

We ended our night with a few other traditions....

     Gregg read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and we watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas.

This little movie has been near and dear to my heart since I was six.  It's also become one of my kids favorites.  Yes, its dated (70's attire and such).  But, I love it and love how it makes my heart happy thinking about our Savior's love for us. And, who can't help but love Jimmy Stewart?

Before bed Sadie played "Silent Night" for us and we sang and I tried to lock the moment in my mind.  She's a senior you know. Merry Christmas Eve.

Camelback and PJ's

This morning Sadie and some of the senior gals got up at 5:30 am to hike Camelback and see the sunrise.

 And they did.

 At the top of Camelback was this christmas tree and a little sign asking hikers to help decorate it (cool, huh!)

 Tomorrow is christmas eve, and to be really honest, I am exhausted from trying to get ready.  You can tell by the way I wrapped 13 presents today.....no string tied and curled, just those self-adhesive bows.  

And can you believe what I asked my family to do last christmas eve?  There was a little complaining and grumbling.

  Drew ( Mom are you serious?)   and Sadie ( You're not going to take a picture are you?)

Well of course I was going to take a picture.  And, funny thing, despite the grumbling last year, all my kids have asked me in the last month

Mom, are you getting us matching pajamas this year? 

like they're hoping I did.  I didn't. Who knew they'd be such a hit.   

But I'm glad I took a picture.

2 days........

cookie tradition

Every December, we bake and decorate.

Do you see the ball of dough in her right hand?  She didn't want her picture taken, threatened to throw some dough, and did right after I took this.

Flour fight.

Drew's cookies:"Blue Man Group"

Gentry's cookies:"Bad Guy"

"Good Guy"

Sierra's cookie:"Demon Gingerbread?"

Sadie's cookies:"Decorative"

Serious aftermath, but lots of fun.