Christmas Thoughts Already?

We had a delayed Family Home evening last night, but it was great! We actually did it at Kiwi Loco, so our activity and treat were all in one! We were talking about the topic of blessings. Blessings in the manner of what we are blessed with and grateful to have in our lives. The topic went to how much have that we don't need. Rex and I came up with an idea to present to the boys, that, well, we were unsure of how it would go. Rex and I decided that it would be a good idea to take all the money we would spend on Christmas for our family and taking that money and spending it on 2-3 other families to provide them a Christmas. This would mean that we would not exchange presents, or buy gifts for the family. The average amount we spend on gifts would be able to provide a decent Christmas morning for 2-3 families that are in need. The boys were more willing than I expected them to be. They are very excited and want to start saving and planning already! It is exciting. I hope we can pull this off and it is something we can stick with.

Hodge Podge

I have been anti internet lately, so I have slacked on the updates and pictures. I mostly stalk and lurk on Pinterest and play Words With Friends on Facebook and that is about it. 

Trenton's 3rd grade concert. He really liked singing traditional songs this year.

 Benji, Joe and Rex taking a nice winter's nap.

Our Elf, Chippy, played some pretty neat tricks, but not all were committed to film. 

 He tied up the boys' shoes and hung them from the dining room light. 

A few day earlier, he put their undoes on the ceiling fan. That was a hoot!

 Christmas Eve Eve Chippy decorated the living room with lots of lights and garland. It was really beautiful.

 Here are the boys in there Christmas eve PJ's. They are wearing them constantly. 

 There was a big ole' storm last night, but a beautiful sunset before the mayhem commenced.

Christmas was wonderful and quiet. The boys got some awesome goodies and lots of noisy stuff. Rex got me a sewing machine which I am anxious to break in. I have ordered tons of fabric already and I am set to sew.

We are looking forward to 2012... Armageddon or not. :)  I think people are going to get a little nutty this year, but I think it will be great.

Joe Turns 6 and More From Chippy

 My mischievous Joe turned 6 yesterday. I cannot wrap my head around this concept at all. 

He had a great time with his friends and enjoyed a day of fun filled activities! He is by far the most unique of all my boys. The loudest, the most hyper, the funniest, and the one up to the most trouble (most of the time). We are truly blessed to have him in our lives. 

So here is what Chippy has been up to the past few days. 

 Sunday he read scriptures 

 Monday... mustaches and funny faces on our picture. 

 Tuesday, a birthday surprise for Joe! 

Today, he got a bit tangled up in the Christmas Decor. 

5 grateful things

Christmas!-School is over for me-busy days-Joe-Family  

Gingerbread Girl and Chippy, Our Elf

 The boys had a blast decorating our ginger bread girl. They decided it, not me. 

 Finished product

I have created a cheaper version of Elf on a Shelf... we requested the plush elf instead of the other elf that comes with the book. It works very well. 

So, I present, Chippy, our Elf on the Shelf. 

Day one: He turned our milk blushing green!!!

 Day 2: He TP'd our tree!!! 

 

Day 3- He decided to be nice today and left the boys winter  watermelon toothpaste.

Chippy has been a fun addition to our holiday fun!

5 grateful things
PRAYER-choosing my attitude- Rex--a new day-enjoying the holidays 

Anxiety ..

I am having a tough time this year. I want to enjoy the holiday season, but the past few days, it feels like it is all going by too fast. I am actually getting anxiety about Christmas coming too quickly and not having enough time to enjoy it. Weird.... I have finals and school does not end for me until the 12th. Our month is packed full already on top of it all. We have a big mutual planned for Wednesday, I'm trying to get everything together for Young Women's for the first of the year, Rex's company Christmas party is the 11th, my math final is the 12th, Joe's birthday the 13th, 12 days of Christmas for a family in the ward starts the 13,  We get our patriarchal blessings the 15th, our ward Christmas party the  16th, a baptism the 17th, ---- it all feels like 1000 pounds weighing on my chest for some reason. Anti anxiety medication anyone? I am seriously contemplating it. I should be excited about the hustle and bustle of it all, not sad and antsy. Its weird. I am sure it will all come together, I just want to be able to kick back and relax. ---- Ok, breath----

 Here is our cute overly decorated Christmas tree. I love it though.

 

 

Here is a cute picture of Zeke in the boys' fort.

5 grateful things 
Church tomorrow-a centered and balanced husband- a day off from school-prayers- snowmen 

90% off Target Strikes Again!

I have been waiting all year for this! There wasn't as much stuff as last year, but we still got KILLER deals.

 This is all of the loot

 Ornaments and napkins. I bought the "the tree is decorated, now let's have a cocktail" for my grandma 

 More ornaments and light clips 

 Cute candles for the windows! All electric too!

 18 boxes of Christmas Cards

 12 boxes of light clips

 Wrapping paper, tree toppers, bags and tins 

 Cute ornament for Nana 

 Lights!! ( only $0.60 each!!!!!) 

 Fun decorations! 

 Our Receipt

My favorite part of the whole trip!! 

5 grateful things

Target*sales* thriftyness* working out*FRIDAYS! 

Video of Part of the Treasure Hunt

The last clue of the Treasure hunt. Poor Trenton was so excited he could hardly make out the words!

Christmas!!!!! Lots O' Pics!

       Christmas Morning, Sleepy but excited!

 JoJo!

 Sleepy Benji

 Opening Stockings!

 Mmm, Tasty Treats! 

 HOORAY!

Then they started the treasure hunt!

 Gathering Clues!

 They had so much fun hunting around the house!

 Under the table????

 MoreClues

 Last place now on to opening gifts

 Fun stuff

 The loot

 Clifford the Dog II - We had to search everywhere for a new one!

 I am so glad our kidos like getting new coats

 Doodle pads

 Trenton SO excited!!

 HOORAY! Gilmore Girls the Complete Series!!!!!!!

 Super cute packaging!

 153 Episodes of sarcastic goodness!

 The boys' BIG gift. PS3 for all 3 of them to share!

 Playstation Move and Eye Pet game. SO much fun! 

 Axe for the daddy. Always a Christmas Must for Rex!

 A gift from the boys!

 Rex's big gift. Old radio that plays vinyl, CD, cassette and radio. 

 My gift from the boys. A new Forks Hoodie - makin' it sprinkle so you won't sparkle. LOVE IT

 Bestie Boys Vinyl for Rexy

 I GOT MY STEAMER MOP!!!! YIPPY!!

 Rex's key chain with our special pic on it. Thanks for you help Liz! 

An Apple teapot! My kitchen is all in apples, and I wanted a teapot so bad so I could make multiple cups of cocoa easier. I am spoiled rotten! 

Christmas Eve Pics.

 Gotta open one present before bed! Pj's are awesome!

I love my boys!!

Super fun Christmas day! Merry Christmas to all!! 

5 grateful things

 The Savior* Gratefulness from my boys* Fun days* No worries*HAM