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After talking with a friend that spreads out their Christmas celebration all month, we decided to do a variation on that this year. The kids and I did a fun Nativity book that we do each year on Thursday and we are giving the kids one gift each Saturday until Christmas. We chose gifts that we could enjoy together as a family and that, if received on Christmas Day amidst the Legos, Barbies, etc, etc, etc, might get over looked for a while.

Tonight, we made homemade pizza and then gave the kids Disney Scene It 2 and a new pack of Christmas Silly Banz (thanks, KJ, for the timely package!!). I had bought some chocolate popcorn from the Boy Scouts last month that we hadn't opened and Big T picked up a 2 liter of Root Beer and we were set for a night of fun. Big T and Captain C smoked me and the little guys the first game so we split them up and made it parents versus kids in game two....and it was CLOSE. We were both on the "all play to win" and luckily we pulled it out. Phew! We had such a great time tonight. I am so glad we didn't give this to them Christmas morning and it sit on there waiting to be played. I can't wait for next Saturday :)

And as a Christmas bonus...here we are after the kids' CC Christmas Program last night. They did such a great job - we are so proud of all the hard work they put into learning their songs and memory work. It is such an awesome group of families and we are so blessed to be part of this group.3 more weeks to go....

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Yesterday, after 6 hours of Black Friday shopping, I came home to Big T putting the Christmas lights up outside (and the boys cleaning out the gutters, but that is another post all together!). Today we put the tree and indoor decorations up (after watching OU's victory!!). I can't believe that it is already Christmas time again...the fact that it was 71* today doesn't help get you in the mood but the lines and crowds everywhere are a good reminder. The kids love helping to decorate the tree and seeing all the fun ornaments that we only see for a few weeks a year. Tricky T got to put the star on top of the tree this year and then everyone helped decorate it while Christmas CDs played in the background.


And I had to add this one. We met someone on Thanksgiving, that after about 30 minutes of knowing us, pointed to T and said, "That one looks ornery." This picture made me think of that statement.


I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas season and takes time out to remember the gift God sent in Jesus.... that is, after all, the true reason we celebrate this season.

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Today is a very special day and not just because I am posting before Saturday at 11pm! Today is Captain C's 10th birthday. WOW...I can't even remember a time without him and yet I don't feel old enough to have a 10 year old. He is such an incredible kid too - we are so blessed that God chose us for his parents. I love you so much, C, and am enjoying watching you grow into a Godly young man. Happy Birthday, baby - sorry, even at 10, you are my baby! See...you still fit in my arms :o)

So excited!

I decided what to do for my blog next year.

R U Curious?

Check back the first week in January.

I can't wait!

:)

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This time of year is insane for photographers. I can barely keep up, but am so grateful for the work and really do love what I do. Tonight, I didn't really have "spare time" but Big Daddy had surprised us by bringing home "Up" for us to watch and I can't resist some snuggle time with my least snuggly kiddo. I got Tricky T to snuggle the entire movie and loved every minute of it. He is so anti lovey-dovey and hates kisses...so, when the movie was over, I had Big T snap some pics of us before I let him go off the couch. I so love these kids!!!
Ok, not sure if that is going to show up...might have to click on it to actually see how much he is LOVING the mommy kisses ;)

Needing ideas....

I can't believe we only have 7 weeks left of 2009! And I equally can't believe I stuck with this project all year. Thanks so much for all the comments...your accountability kept me going!!

So...the plan is...I am going to print this year's blog up and give each of the kids a book of it and keep a book for myself. I have had several sweet people want to do this for me as a gift but I really want to do this myself as a gift to the kids. I worked hard on this all year and quite frankly, want to see it through to print ;) But thank you for offering - I do appreciate the offer!!

However, I still do need your help...I am trying to figure out how to change this up a little for next year. I know I only committed for the year but I don't think I can just let it go as easily as I thought I could. I am so glad I didn't commit to a picture a day...I am in awe of those that have done that!!...but the once a week thing is totally doable for me. So, I need some ideas on how to change it up.

I have thought of going through the alphabet and doing pics for each letter...but that could be stressful when I get to X and no one breaks anything and needs x-rays ;) Or doing pictures of JUST the kids (c=week one, T=week 2, P=week 3) and me and/or Big Daddy in the last week of the month). Then I don't have to try to be IN each picture but will still get in there occasionally. or.....(fill in your clever ideas here).

Thanks for the encouragement, guys!!

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We are having some BEAUTIFUL weather here in OK this week. YAY! Big Daddy is out planting some plants and the kids are riding bike and scooters. I got Princess P to stop for a minute to take a picture with me. It is so sunny, warm, and windy...love it!


PS. Loving my new full frame camera so I can get more than just our faces in with a handheld shot. I actually cropped this in a little ;)