Christmas Eve

I have been lazy at posting and taking pictures. So I forgot to take some here and there. Maybe if I got a new camera it would be more exciting for me ;) Anyway . . . on Christmas Eve my parents have a tradition of going out to dinner. We all went to the Macaroni Grill and then did our sibling gift exchange that night. Rachel and Jeremy went flew out to NC on Christmas morning. So we missed them on Christmas day. Rachel and my Mom took a bunch of pictures of dinner and presents, but I didn't take any.

One of our neighbors told me about a family tradition that they do and we are going to add that to our traditions. Its a "Bethlehem Night" or dinner. Dress in shepherd type attire, make a simple dinner of crackers, cheese, meat, fruit (simple like in the days of Joseph and Mary). And eat on the floor on a blanket in front of the Christmas tree with only the Christmas tree lights on. Then talk about the nativity and watch "Joy to the World". Then give brown paper gift. A meaningful gift wrapped in brown paper with twine.
We were pretty busy that night so we only got to do part of it. But it was fun and we still enjoyed it.

The boys got a couple quiet books for church. One I made at the RS Friday Frenzy craft night.



Then with the help of someone in the ward I made a Book of Mormon stories book. I love it! And it references 20 stories.


I love the idea of the kids opening Christmas Pajamas on Christmas Eve. But I didn't want to spend so much and they have enough pj's this year. So I decided I would just make them some pajama pants. They are made of this way cozy material. To be honest, I really don't know what it is called. But its like a microfiber (maybe it is microfiber?), or a fluffier minky type material. I also wanted to make them slippers that matched. But that was over the top. I had too many other things to do. So the slippers may happen in the next month or so...?

The boys also love the pants! Maybe I will make myself a pair ;)


It was so fun to teach Zac the story of Jesus this year. We were able to use our little people nativity to teach him about it. It really helped him to see it visually and being to act it out himself. He remembered most of the story. Max was able to say "Jesus" and when he picked up the toy of the baby, he knew it was Jesus. It was so good to feel their love for the Savior even without full understanding of his his role. This has been a great year. And I am so grateful for the Savior and all he has done for me.

Zac's preschool Christmas Program

Zac's Preschool did a cute Christmas Program this year. It was his first one and fun to go and see. Although, he doesn't really sing. I can tell he knows the words but he didn't hardly move his mouth.



His class jingle the bells with their song.






I love his teacher too. She is so good with the little kids. Thank you!

Santas

The boys got to see a couple Santa's this year.

At the ward party Zac figured out what he wanted for Christmas. He told Santa he wanted a yoyo and a little toy truck. I am really glad I was standing right there to hear that.


Max was curious about Santa and not scared at all.

Then Max's school had a Christmas party too. They got to see Santa there too.



They also go to do a fun craft and have a candy cane, hot chocolate, and doughnuts



Zac is starting to ask questions about all the different Santas. So perhaps we will start limiting the Santa visits to one a year.

Random

My parents did another Christmas sleepover fun night. The boys got to decorate gingerbread houses. They love going to Nani and Papi's to play and hang out. We love it too! It is such a nice break.



A girl in my ward makes these awesome hats!! I just bought this from her. I love it!


Max was so cute with his milk mustache so I had to take a picture.



A couple weeks ago we went and visited Jon's sister and her family. And Zac had the Greatest time playing with his cousin Sadie. She is his only cousin his age. I love this picture. They are soo cute!


A few weeks ago I went to the Modbe going out of business sale. Everything there was $3 a piece. Amazing!! I spent $67.31 for all this!

3 pairs of jeans
1 pair jean shorts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 long sleeve sweater wrap
1 short sleeve sweater wrap
3 scarf hat mitten sets
1 3/4 length tshirt
1 skirt
1 long sleeve pj tshirt
4 camisoles
4 balance tanks

Zac's Room

I have been slowly working on Zac's room and we finally finished (well, I still need to do a valence, but that is not in the plans anytime soon).

My dad refurbished this great airplane shelf. It works perfectly in the room.


I bought one of these little monster plaques and my SIL, Emily painted the other two. They are so fun. I love them!



I love this peg wall hanging thing. It is perfect for storing all this stuff out of the way, but still accessible and easy for Zac to hang things up by himself.


I have been eyeing this Ikea light fixture ever since Ikea moved into town. (Many of the decor/storage items in his room are from Ikea.) Jon did a great job installing the light. We (Jon) had to go into the attic and run some wire and wire it from the existing light fixture. We make a pretty good team. I research how to do it, get the supplies and ask lots of questions so I know exactly how it is to be done. Then Jon is the hands of the operation. I tell him what the steps are and he executes the project.


I love how the room turned out. Now, I am slowing working on Max's room :)

Eating with The Boys

Cute faces and open mouths . . .

A Couple Cute Ones

Yes, I darkened my hair and I love it!

I just look weird when I take a picture of myself. Adding his cute face sure made it better :)



This is Zac and his little friend. I think it is so cute how they look like a married couple hanging out, while watching Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys.