Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve was a festive affair.  My mom had all the yummy appetizers, good friends and family were jolly and Auntie Anna brought all the craft supplies for the kids to make Shrinkie-Dinks.  We all made some tasty food (prime rib, cauliflower with cheese sauce, rolls, mashed potatoes...and everything was homemade!)  After dinner Anna, Troy, Taylor and I headed to church for the candlelight service.  As usual it was inspiring and heartwarming.  Back at my mom's house we had some light desserts and the kids played.  My mom's friends, Carolyn and Bill were making us all laugh with their surveys and Carolyn showing the kids how to chicken fight and other tests of strength and stablity.  Needless to say...we were all cracking up!  Shortly after, we headed home for last minute gift wrapping, Santa snacks, kids to bed and then Carlos and I watched Avatar.  (He fell asleep early and I stayed up until 2:00 AM) 

Christmas Day was really fun this year because Zac really got into the activities and  spirit of the season.  I woke up to hearing some paper rustling out by the tree...I whispered to Carlos, "what is CJ doing, opening his presents?"  I called out to CJ and he came into our room and just grinned.  I asked him what was up...He said that he "just couldn't wait and had to open up just a little gift!"  We all woke up with smiles on our faces, laughing and ready for the presents!  Fun!

The kids got Nerf guns, CJ got some Harry Potter Legos, Zac got an easel and they all were happy.

We headed to my mom's for presents, breakfast and see Taylor and Cole before they headed out with their mom.  Way too much fun, again with some great food and wonderful conversation.  The boys watched basketball games, the kids played with their toys and my mom, sister and I played cards. 

We are now finally home putting it all away, putting toys together, playing and resting. 

Merry Christmas to All!

Cousins doing the Shrinkie-Dinks!

Auntie reminding Zac how to use the markers.

Anna, Tramaine, Paige and Carlos

Carolyn + Bill = Entertainment

Gorgeous Fairly Godmother Lynda!

Love this son of mine!

All the cousins Chicken fighting!

Christmas morning...in last year's best present ever (personlized Snugglie)

Mimi with her grandkids!

Auntie Anna know how to pick out some great shoes!  Zac loves his penguin Converse!

Mimi knows how to pick out some great boots...they match!

Trampoline

It was cold but finally NOT raining!  CJ cleaned off the trampoline and bundled up for some jump-jump.  Zac was thrilled.  I was too...I needed them to be able to get out of the house for a bit!  They had a blast!  Zac showed off how to do a somersault...thanks Mimi!

Christmas Cookies

For the past three years we have gathered with a few friends and lots of kids to frost sugar cookies. They usually get frosting everywhere, have fun talking and sharing what they want for Christmas and eating way too much sugar.  This year Bethany hosted and I made spaghetti dinner for everyone.  My mom showed up with some sparkling and Steve may have run to the store 1 or 2 times for more bubbly! 

Zac and Mimi

Jakie, Stevie and Bethany

Paige and CJ

Zac...with some frosting and spaghetti on the face.

Kari and Xander...aka X-Man!

Mimi frosted a lot of cookies with Zac.

All the boys helping and watching Zac open his noisy gift from Steve and Bethany...a Christmas does not go by without some sort of very loud and very annoying "gift" from them!  Thanks!

Bethany had a lovely Advent wreath with candles and each of the boys got to read a special passage. Zac got to blow out the candles.

His Friends

CJ had a cookie baking date set with my mom so it was just Zac and I today...cooking and making Christmas presents when Lynn called to see if she could drop her boys by while she shopped.

No problem. Easily done. Great kids.

Zac thought all three of her boys (9,7,7) were "his" friends.
They all played and laughed really hard!
In fact, Carlos came home and asked if Zac wanted to go out with him and run errands (he loves doing this) and Zac said, "No, I play with my friends."

So sweet.
I love that kid.

Almonds and Jerky

Fresh, raw almonds.

From the bulk section and about 12 pounds! 

Blanched and strained.

Spread out on a towel, rolled up and rubbed to take the skins off.

Naked almonds.

Simmering in oil. HOT!

(burnt the first batch)

Husks, naked almonds and rubbing of the skins area.

Another pile of skins and naked almonds.

Toasted and salted!  Yummy!

Now this next picture is not for the vegetarian.  (sorry)

We wanted to make some jerky (and the above almonds) for some stocking stuffers for our family.  We all enjoy the salty and tasty and it they are fun to make.  I had so much fun searching for jerky reciped online and finally found two that will hopefully be wonderful.  Trick is we won't know until they are all dried up!  The third recipe is a mixture of the other two...time will tell!

Christmas Tree Hunting

For the past four years we have been getting our tree at a local tree farm FOR ONLY $15!  It is usually cold, muddy and really fun.  The first year I had to pee so badly, out in the woods, behind many trees and near the fence (didn't know I was pregnant at the time!).  The second year I nursed Zac in the truck and we made an appearance for a picture in the freezing cold.  The third year we carried Zac up and down the rows whilst looking for the perfect tree.  Now, this year...perfect!  Zac went out and stomped, tromped, played, ran, chased, hid, picked, played and basically had a blast in the mud whilst looking for the perfect tree.  I also got to take some great pictures (these are only a few) of the boys playing, chasing and laughing all through the Christmas trees. 

PS  We did find the perfect tree. 

Jingle Bell

Amanda ran her first 5K today and she did awesome!  I am so proud of her and it was really fun. 

I am so thankful for my friends that like to run. It has been a great journey.