Christmas Tree

As much as I would like to go into the forest and cut down our own tree, that's not realistic here in LA (maybe there's a way?).  As our yearly tradition, we set up our tree right after Thanksgiving.  We did get the outdoorsy feel, since we set it up outside.  Reason: because I was scared there were spiders inside the tree box!  Good thing we didn't spot any.  

Christmas time is here!  YAY!

A Quiet Christmas

Christmas day was definitely different this year since Key was sick. After debating whether to go to my sisters, we headed over there, and stayed a couple of hours, then headed back home. Once we were all together, we had the kids open their gifts, look in their stockings, and finally we unveiled our gifts to them.

Key managed to muster up some energy when she saw her kitchen.

Stocking stuffer...
I thought he could use another one for his repertoire:)

I love his shiny trike. I wish I could ride it:)

In the mist of opening presents and being with loved ones, it's so easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas. Whether Jesus was actually born on Dec 25th is definitely debatable and I wouldn't die on that hill, but the point of God becoming man, dwelling among us, living a perfect life, the Father (God) punishing his son for the sake of those who will trust him---amazing. The heavenly of it's doctrines is a case for the Bible being the Word of God. There's NO way anyone can come up with such an amazing, unique, and true story. There is no other like it--amazing.

Hope everyone had a great time with friends, and family. Get ready for New Year's!!!

Christmas Eve and Birthday Time!

Christmas Eve morning started with a great birthday breakfast from my hubby...yes, PJ cooked! I was SO proud of him. I requested wheat pancakes from Denny's (not bad, but I heard IHOP's are better). He fancied up some soy chorizo, with eggs, and hash brown. Super yummy!

The cook hard at work.

After breakfast he read to me another of his adorable haiku's. He's been writing these to me every since we started to date.

1. Happy Birthday love

We hope you enjoy today

Trust grace streams to flow

2. We're really married

I would marry you again

Without you I stink

and a beautiful poem! I love my hubby!!!

Hope everyone had a grand Christmas time!

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Late in the evening we headed to our family party. We had a great time, but later that night we had a hard time.

Playing "Catch Phrase"

The losers singing in front of everyone.

My hubby setting up the text we read in Isaiah 7, and 9.

We ended a late-late night after the ER. Key wouldn't stop throwing up, so I called the nurse's advice line, and they advised to bring her in. Thankfully it was a stomach virus going around so the ER was seeing lots of kids. They gave her a shot so she would stop, and it allowed her to sleep the rest of the night. We got home at about 3am. We needed a nice treat, since we had a hard night--Sprinkles always does the trick;)

Gift Wrapping

Wrapping gifts is fun, but it takes time. This year I'm SO excited for my family to open their gifts from us , and see what little surprises await them. I think I'm way more excited for them, then they'll actually be, but that's okay--it's the thought that counts, right? :) I'd love to share all of my handcrafted gifts but I don't want to spoil some surprises.

a tote bag...
small messenger bag...

a small backpack...

a tote bag...

an apron, one of my favorites.

Merry-Early-Christmas! Tomorrow's my birthday too, YAY! Hahaha, sorry I shouldn't be cheering for my own birthday :)

Christmas Time Favorites

Christmas is coming around the corner and I have not set up ALL that I want to, but soon enough, I'll be up and running. Hopefully you are or you will too! A string of cheerios brings a smile to my face. Which kid can't remember making these? :) Super fun! Rock was helping out, but at times was having a bit trouble with the small cheerio holes. Have a great week preparing!

Christmas Time Is Here!

Christmas time really does make people feel gitty, I sure am! We've been decorating and getting some crafting done this year.

The kids loved decorating the tree, and frankly, so did I.
This year, I made stockings for all of us, including the little girlie in my tummy. The front side is made of potato sack material, and the other of various fabric that distinguishes itself from the others. Can't wait to start stuffing our stockings!