Christmas baking

I love Christmas treats and foods. My very favorites are english toffee, gingerbread, and eggnog. Mmmm.

It was super duper fun having Mom and Dad here for the festivities. I have to say, I love seeing the cookies my dad decorates. They turn out so funky!

Hazel likes gingerbread too!

We made my Aunt Lynn's delicious butterhorn rolls. They're so buttery and yummy that I only make them once or twice a year.

My little baker.

Cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning.

No pictures of the toffee, bummer. And I don't make my own eggnog. Well, I did once when I lived in France and there was none to be found. Yes, I used raw eggs. Yes, it was delicious.

Until next Christmas, my delicious baked ones.

Our Christmas celebrations were wonderful. They started out with a package from Grandma and Grandpa Ford.

It was full of nativities,

advents,

homemade suckers, and crafts.

Shortly after the package arrived, my mom arrived in person! Just in time for Lily's school Christmas program and her class Christmas party. It's a treat to have Grandma here for Lily's school activities.

Lily's party was so much fun! The classroom was mayhem! Which is wonderful because normally they are calm, quiet, and very well-behaved in class. It was fun to watch the kids run, play, shout, and just have fun!

They made carameled apples. The kids loved dumping sprinkles, m&ms, and crushed candies on their apples.

These pictures cracks me up! This is her crush. And it's reciprocated. Although they've got a thing for each other, they were sooo uncomfortable standing by each other for a photo. Lily told me one day, "I'm so scared of Sean cause he loves me!" I think it's really cute. I pray that she will always talk to me about the boys she likes!

Lily was so happy to see her teacher excited about the gift cards the class gave her.

We have a hard time keeping our house tidy. The kids throw things every which way and don't give them another look. Now, how ironic is it that Lily keeps her desk organized spic and span?? If only she'd do the same thing at home!

Her neighbor's desk in contrast. Lol.

How do you? round 2

First a little update: We attended a nice funeral service for Dean and his mom last week. God is a God of miracles, Dean's little brother is recovering very well.


Here's another "How do you?" post:

How do you store extra bags and purses when not in use?

and

What do you eat for breakfast on Christmas morning and at what point in the festivities do you eat it?

Sweet Dean

To Dean, one of the sweetest little boys we have had the privilege of knowing. He is one of Lily's friends from school.



And to his loving, devoted, faithful mom. She spent a lot of time in the kids' classroom doing volunteer work.

They passed away Thursday night in a car accident. Dean's little brother is in the hospital recovering. His dad was not in the accident and is with his little brother.

This loss is hard for Lily and all of her classmates. My heart has been warmed as I've spoken with other moms and heard how their children too have simple, yet strong, faith that Dean is with Jesus and we'll get to be with him again some day.

I'm utterly grateful for Jesus Christ. His grace and Atonement make it possible for all to live again and for us to be reunited with those we love.

Dean's dad has requested prayers in behalf of his family. May I request that you also consider sharing monetarily, to help relieve some of the financial burden that accompanies this situation. Money can be sent to Adam's Traditional Academy, which will then be sent on to Dean's family. Thank you.

Embroiderer, anyone??

Hey local friends,

I'm making Hazel's Christmas stocking and need to have her name embroidered on it. Do any of you have an embroidery machine or know where I can have it embroidered??

Thanks!

Ummm, adorable.

My heart goes pitter-pat when Carter wears that hat! Lily couldn't believe that little Hazel could stand with their help. It was cute to see Lily so excited for her baby sis.

Santa's elves dropped these snuggly jammies off at our house this weekend. The kids were so excited to find presents on our doorstep! Carter was amazed that the elves dropped them off unseen. He wants to find the elves that are stationed around our house, watching to see if the kids should be on the GB&G (Good Boy & Girl) list. He wonders where they're hiding.

I looked over at Lily after they had unwrapped their jammies. She was looking at me knowingly, so I winked at her. She winked right back, then mouthed "thank you!" to me. I don't know why, but it touched me and brought tears to my eyes. I'm realizing that my little girl is growing up.

These little guys make life bright!

Hikers and a mountain biker

While Kristen and I rested (sort of) following our Black Friday shopping trip, the daddies and kids went for a hike. Those kids were awesome hikers! I was surprised to hear how far and how high they hiked. They hiked to the peak high above the King Saguaro!!

This peak is right by our house. What a great view.

Apparently, Lily kicked one of the rocks on the pile she's standing next to, and discovered a geocache hiding underneath. The kids loved putting their names in the book!

This was Carter's first mountain biking experience and I hear he loved it. I wish I could have seen him!