scenes from Christmas

So, how was it?
Your holiday?
Merry & Bright, I hope!

I love how Santa brings
little wax paper candy packages!

What is Brian so thrilled about?
Bugg got new arm braces from Grandma!

A Happy Birthday cake for Jesus

And here is what it's really about:
the Savior's birth.
This year, Mia got to be Mary & Bugg was Joseph.
Wyatt was so thoughtful & reverent during the nativity play
that all the grandkids did.
Grandpa read from Luke 2 & we sang carols.
Bugg just sat sweetly and listened.
It was so so precious.

The day after Christmas always needs
some type of shabang to come off the holiday high, right?
We wanted to go sledding but there has been minimal snow!
So strange.

We drove up to the canyon a bit
and found enough snow to make do.

my baby belly




Mia, Ella, & Mia's friend

choco-covered Oreos from my sis,
Kylee!

The Tumbleform chair works
terrifically in the snow!

And the day after the day after Christmas?
A desperate trip to Sam's Club for diapers.
Ella was actually wearing a swim diaper here.
Since my pregnant self shouldn't be doing any lifting,
I try to bring the stroller for Wyatt when we go out.
Alas, I forgot it.
But Mia spotted the Tumbleform still in the van.
Totally works, no?

Genius, really.
I remember those awkward days of shopping with a growing baby Bugg.
I would try and sit him in the front of the cart
all propped up with blankets.
But then he got so long & tall.
So I tried sitting him in a Bumbo chair in the back of the cart.
But he wasn't strong enough to sit in it with such limited support.
Brother!
This would have been a good option.
Except where would all the groceries go?
But we were just here for diapers, whew.

And Veggie chips & new sheets!

not a lipstick mark, just chapped cheek skin

So you noticed his missing glasses?

Mia brought these 2 pieces to me
on Christmas Eve.
Rats!!!!

Buggy has a loaner pair for the week.
His new pair is so so so studley ~
can't wait to show you!

tonight.....

We are camping out under the tree tonight.

I spy Mia diving off couch,
Ella jumping,
Bugg laying down,
&
Bree taking a picture with the D40.
These funky sketch pics are by the D5100
that I still can't cope with for some reason.

Oh, that Bugg.
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Whatcha' Wanna Know Wednesday

Q: I'd like to know about your favorite comfort foods. What kinds of foods make your belly smile in the middle of the cold winter days?

Italian sausage, kale & white bean soup
oh, yes

A: Soup. Soup. Soup.
Any kind of soup.
I'd eat it every night of the week if my family was
more enthusiastic about eating soup.
My favorites include chowders, vegetable, lentil, chicken (with dumplings).......
like I said, most any kind will make me comfy & happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A: Did you fill out baby books for each of your kids? You orchestrate such lovely outings & experiences and document the memories in beautiful detail in your photographs. I'm wondering if you have a system for organizing and/or creating "keepsakes" (outside of the blog) for your kids and yourself.

Like my mini Christmas tree?

Q: Can I get an "amen" for blogging?
I love being able to have this sweet, sacred space for journaling.
I tried scrapbooking but just wasn't consistent in keeping it updated.
I have baby books for my girls.
I love these ones that can be personalized.
Bugg doesn't have a baby book. I couldn't stand not being able to
fill out the milestones.
That was dumb, I wish I had one.
BUT.......
each of our children have a journal by my bed.
Including our babe soon to be!
I have written letters to them all,
even before they were born.
I'll include funny things they've said or done,
a special outing,
a momentous occasion,
thoughts I have........
they're very special & I hope that they'll treasure them someday.
They also each have a box of keepsakes.
Like their hospital bracelets & newborn cap.

Christmas flurry

It's Christmas week!

Are you so excited?!!!

this morning, waiting for the bus to arrive

I've been burning some midnight oil
trying to get projects done.
Christmas break starts tomorrow!
We'll be delivering frozen cookie dough balls
today.
Crossing fingers for a White Christmas.
We're so close!
I'll try & stop by again this week.
Hope you have a terrific tinsel-of-a-Tuesday!