Christmas Eve eve

Because of the schedule of our 2 oldest girls, Santa is coming by our house tonight. He has already arrived, dropping of highly anticipated gifts, snacking on cookins, and has sufficiently filled each stocking. The kiddies are all sleeping downstairs in Maddie's room, animately whispering about what they might get. I just went down to check on them, and I could see visions of American Girl dolls and pirate ships dancing in their heads. Even though our Christmas schedule is a little "off" this year, I am trying to make the best of it. And what kid alive isn't excited for Santa to come a little early??? It will be a FUN morning at our house, you can bet on that. I can remember many Christmases past of my sisters, brother and I snuggling up together the night before Santa came.; laughing, whispering, planning. Sometimes, I long for the simplicity and familiarity of those time. I'm so glad that I have kids who re-create those same simple moments for me. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Christmas Baking

On any normal day, you will not find me in the kitchen baking. It isn't something that I typically enjoy all that much, but at Christmas time I figure, I should put aside my own preferences and let my kids bake. So, yesterday we did the sugar cookie thing. The kids helped roll out the pillsbury dough... prepackaged... WHOOPPEEE!!! And then we called Grandma Oman and got the recipe for home-made frosting, which really is the best but I don't usually take the time to use it. The girls loved the baking part and Michael... well... he loved the mess. He wouldn't be my little guy if he didn't love the mess. We have enjoyed eating our masterpieces and have shared them with others. It was a fun experience and one that I hope that kids will remember - holiday baking. Since we only do it once a year, it should be memorable, right??!