Kids playing

The fun kicked off with three days and two nights of spending uninterrupted time together. Olivia and Maura enjoyed dressing up in princess clothes. Look closely at their feet-- they both have 1 inch heels on. This was a first for Maura, but I'm not kidding you, Olivia could do the catwalk in her shoes. She walks in heels better than I do. Then a shot of the kids playing the piano..just imagine the sound! Maura, Sophia, and Olivia holding hands. And last but not least, Logan building blocks in the front room.

Away in a manger

Along with all of the fun, we also spent time enjoying the reason for the season. Aunt Liz reviewed the nativity with the kids and did a simple Bible lesson each night.

And we ate and ate and ate yummy food, made crafts, played board games, listened to Christmas music, danced to Aunt Anna's music, and watched our favorite "The Christmas Story".
My niece Olivia really took to Sophia. She would have held her all day long if we would have let her.

Gingerbread house

We did get away to Grandma Bettie and Pa Pa Cecil's house on Christmas Eve. It was so nice to have Gpa there..he had just gotten out of the hospital about a week prior.

Christmas Eve includes all of my mom's family which is ever expanding. In the last year alone, there were three new great grandkids born. Aunt Liz was pretty brave and decided to put together a gingerbread kit with all of the little ones.
Here is a shot during the assembly.
And Gma Bettie did a skit with the kids which included a Chicken Dance demonstration. Fun! Fun!
Next up?? Gifts! It's definitely a room full of people--- organized chaos!!

Merry Christmas

Gary and I hosted his family's Christmas this year on the 22nd. We had 31 people over for lunch. We would like to especially thank his mom and Heather for arriving early to help prepare the meal. We've decided that we could do it again next year.

Christmas day was spent at my parents. I hate to say it, but I don't have any shots of our annual gun extravaganza (our camera batteries were dead). Dad hitched up the team of horses to the hay wagon and we were off to the west haybarn. Once there, everyone helped gather wood while the boys got a fire started. Before we knew it we were enjoying hot dogs on a stick and smores for our Christmas meal. Then the guns start smoking. I know this is a bizarre tradition, but it is our fourth year for the annual clay pigeon and target shoot contest. I'd say Gary and my sister are the best shots....sorry Dad, Chas, Steve, and John....just stating the facts. I myself don't get into it that much, but I did shoot the 22 a couple of times. I missed just like every other year. Everyone makes fun of me--It's fun!!! We really enjoy getting away from everything and enjoying each other and nature. We sang Christmas carols on the wagon and recalled favorite Christmas memories.

That night Gary and I returned home with the girls and had our Christmas. Even though we were about celebrated out, our evening at home was just as intimate and special. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but now with the girls it is even more special than I could have imagined.

And the Crushas hope yours was just as Merry. Goodnight everyone.

I'm in the talking mood tonight, so I thought I would blog.

The snow cone machine has stopped. Some of you won't have a clue what that means, but to those of you who do.........It's time to celebrate and please be very very happy for me!

Tonight I took Maura to get her pictures made. She continues to amaze me. She is no longer a nightmare picture taker. I really like the photographer we've found and I can't wait to get our proofs back!!! I'll share them with everyone once their posted online.

Sophia is a little doll. Her core strength is really good now. I love it when I'm holding her (facing towards me up on my shoulder) and her little face is in the crook of my neck. I'm savoring every moment. She's at the perfect age where it's less work and more enjoyment. I can't complain though, she has been a great baby, but now she's really interacting with us and it's so much fun. Like tonight, we were in the bath tub and I was putting the orange cup on her right foot. We were eventually playing a game where she kicked the cup off and then I would replace it. She was smiling and cooing the whole time. She absolutely loves bathtime. Both of our girls do.

So who here is excited about Christmas? I know I am!! Tomorrow night my brother and I are going to go the annual ministerial alliance Christmas program. It is a historic pageant that has been going on in our community for years. I love Christmas carols and hearing the message of the birth of Christ. Gary is going to babysit the girls so I can go.

And it's time to start making candy. Hopefully, I'll be able to stir up some fudge tomorrow. I'd like to take some to my co-workers. Saturday will be last minute wrapping. And then Sunday, Gary's family will be at our house for Christmas. So many things to do, but right now, I'm still having fun! Goodnight everyone.

Who made the twinkling stars?

Who made the twinkling stars....the twinkling stars....the twinkling stars....Who made the twinkling stars?......Our Father God

We've been practicing this song for our Christmas program at church.-- Yesterday, was the big performance and Maura played the part of a beautiful gold star.

This is what she did the entire performance.... She gazed at the kings standing next to her in amazement. The show only lasted maybe 10 minutes total. It was very simple, but still sweet.
But I couldn't believe she stood still. We had had practice earlier that day and she was all over the place, but that night she didn't move an inch. WOW!!!
Afterwards we had cookies and warm monkey bread. YUM!

Maura had fun...she always does.

Other things that we've been up to.

1. Visiting Grandpa Cecil at the hospital. He got to come home today! :)
2. Christmas cards are in the mail.
3. Cleaning house.
4. Cleaning house again.
5. and loving our girls.

O Christmas Tree

The tree is finally complete!!! It had been up since Thanksgiving, but without the lights, garland, ornaments, etc. I must have gotten inspired again this weekend because it is now finished. I think it is our prettiest tree yet (I say that every year). Maura says, "nice Christmas tree Mom" and Sophia has been gazing at all of the lights in awe.

Today was a perfect day for trimming the evergreen because we sure weren't going outside. We had a pretty bad ice storm last night. Fortunately, we have had electricity all day, but several neighbors and family members have been without power.

School has been called off for Gary and I tomorrow-- which means an extended weekend. Yipee!! I'm sure we'll try to get out at some point though. I'm not one who likes to be cooped up for very long. We'll see what morning brings.

We went to Walmart yesterday and had our Christmas cards made. Maura was with me at the kiosk and I was trying to keep her pacified with M&Ms (whatever works right?). Anyways, I was trying to hurry and I forgot to add who the cards were from. A pretty important step-- I guess I'll be writing that in by hand this year. :)

Below--Sophia Grace is holding her keys and Maura is saying "CHEESE" with her beloved Mickey Mouse. Have a great week everyone!