Scenes from a Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone.

More memories made to add to the ever growing collection.

I loved that Christmas fell on a Sunday this year.

And I loved that all my children cooperated for a post church Christmas picture.  Even Lexi was good!

Every year when I peruse through the pictures I've just taken of Christmas, I always think- 

"These look exactly like the pictures I took last year!"

This year there was one noticeable difference.

I don't remember seeing this adorable face in any of my previous Christmas pictures.  

So, except for the fact that we've added an extra face to the collage of pictures

and except for the melancholy realization that all my kids look older, 

the pictures taken this year ARE exactly the same as Christmas's past.

Same Christmas Eve Party at my parents.

Food, family, fun and frivolity.  We'll have a huge helping of each please.

The Christmas Eve party ALWAYS consists of:

• A yummy dinner.

• A song or two.

Actually it's more like 50 songs, but singing and Sullivans go hand in hand.  Didn't you know that!

 

• The nativity play is a MUST.

This year we added shepherd wives, a star, a camel, cows, and sheep to the mix-every grandkid needs a part!

I was too busy videoing that these were the only two pictures I took,
but I have to say that my little sheep and angel were the cutest of the bunch!

• The cousin gift exchange.

Excitement and Smiles all around!  Chloe could NOT wait!

• Grandma's Gift.

My mom has 32 grandkids and every year she makes them something unique and just for them.

After the presents have been opened, we all dash out the door to get home.

This year Janie was SO worried we hadn't left grandma's early enough and she knew Santa had already come.
"I don't want to see my presents when I walk in the door!  I want to see them when I wake up!"
It took a lot of reassurance and a glimpse at Uncle Marky's phone (it was tracking Santa) to show her he hadn't made it to our house yet.

At home it's time for everyone to get in their Christmas PJs and smile for the pajama picture we take every year.

And just like the other years, I snap a million pictures.

And the very BEST one is this.

And then it's off to bed so Santa can FINALLY come!

This year our little Chloe did not want to go to bed.  Jared and I tried very unsuccessfully to get her to go to sleep.  

"If you don't go to bed, Santa won't be able to come.  Don't you want your presents from Santa?"

Her response to us (while jumping on the couch I might add).

"Oh, Santa just LOVES little children.  He'll wait until I go to bed and then he'll come back for me!"

And she was right.  Santa does love little children and he did come.

The rest of the day was spent at church and with family.

And in true tradition, I forgot to take pictures of our very lovely Christmas dinner at Jared's brother's home.  

I don't think anyone took any pictures.  But sitting and eating and visiting was a fabulous way to end the day.

And just like that another Christmas had past.

Same pictures, same traditions, same everything.

And I'm already looking forward to next year.

If You Give A Baby Some Newspaper. . .

The Mom might find a few minutes to vacuum her living room floor.

And while the mom is vacuuming the floor, the baby's older sister finds her purple sunglasses.

And if you find purple sunglasses on the floor, well you have to have your swimming suit on too.

And if you have your swimming suit on, well you just HAVE to run around the living room.

And if you're running around the living room floor, the mom has to stop vacuuming to take pictures. 

(Because- what's cuter than a little girl running around in a swimming suit at Christmas time)!

And while the mom is taking pictures of the little girl running around, she doesn't see that her baby has taken out her binki and has started eating the newspaper.

And if the baby starts eating the newspaper, the older sister has to stop running around.

And if the older sister stops running around, she can help take the newspaper away from the baby.

But when you take away the newspaper away from the baby, you find little pieces all over the ground

So the mom will need to vacuum.

And if the mom HAS to vacuum, then the baby will need something to entertain her.

And if the baby needs some entertainment, then you might just have to give her some newspaper. 

And if you give a baby some newspaper . . . 

Day # 30 I Am Thankful For. . . .

MY BLOG!

I was just thinking today of how much I've enjoyed blogging this month.

I used to blog constantly.  It was so much fun and I realized this month that I really do love to do it.

It's such a great way and such and EASY way for me to remember and record all the things in my life.  

So many times when I scrapbook, I come back to my blog to remember what happened when.

My kids LOVE it when I write a new post.

So here's to blogging and being more consistent with it!

Day # 29 I Am Thankful For. . . .

MY LEXI!

In case you haven't noticed, we're sort of obsessed with this baby of ours.
Our world revolves around Lexi!
I kind of like that.
Wether your're the first baby or the sixth baby, it should all be about you for a little while.

A few things about our sixth month old:

• She weighs 15 pounds.
• She LOVES her baths.
• I'm pretty sure her eyes are going to be green, but right now their undetermined.
• She's getting good at rolling everywhere and is on the verge of crawling.
• She still takes a binki (yes!)
• She wakes up every morning about 5:30 or 6:00.
• Her new favorite foods are: yogurt, toast, and mashed potatoes.
• She loves to stick burp rags in her mouth and sucks on them nonstop so her hands can be free.

She's everyone's favorite little lady.

I love you my Lexi Jae!