Life's A Ball!!: December 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

Caught Ya!

Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse...

Ha!

We set out the cookies...

and secretly the camera...

AND

SNAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We caught Santa!!! On camera!!!

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season! You get a candle lit church service, a handbell performance, children singing, great food, family time, and anticipation of the coming day!

This Christmas Eve was even more special because Justin was able to attend church with us! Bless his heart because this time of year he is DEFINITELY over worked and under appreciated! Last year he missed the church service and barely made it to dinner. BUT this year, it worked out so perfectly and he was even able to drive us! I need my husband so much! I not only need his support and understanding... I need him to be my rock and my driver and my motivator and my love and my life... WHOA!!! It is quite a responsibility and a HUGE undertaking to be my spouse!

He fits the job perfectly! And he is one of the SEVERAL blessings I am most thankful for during this time of year!

{I just love that little face}

Christmas Eve church service was beautiful! I love our church! It is small and old, and perfect! We heard the children's choir perform, and I sort of got teary eyed thinking year after next, my daughter could be up there! They did a fantastic job! Santa even stopped by before his excursion through our city!

{Ready to play chimes, mommy}

{I love this dress! Flower girl to Christmas dress and maybe to Easter! All we need is a purple ribbon!}

We had dinner with Grammy and celebrated Christmas with her, too! It was a wonderful dinner and a nice and relaxing time! Gracelee enjoyed playing with her Uncle Scott and eating chocolates before dinner! We finished the evening with TONS, literally TONS, of presents! Gracelee was the helper elf, passing out the presents with Aunt Amanda... and then...

{Mommy and Me aprons for next year! My fav!}

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Grammy... gingerbread cookie in hand!

Shhhhhhhh.... we are waiting up for Santa!!!

Sleep tight! Hope you get everything you wish for this Christmas!!! Blessings to you and your family!

Advent Calendar Day 24

December 24th, 2010

The last day... the day before our precious Jesus is born!

The last day of yummy goodness that is the advent calendar chocolate... {tear}.

All is good... maybe I can find a Lent picture taking task as well! PLUS, I have her birthday party to plan... yikes! Picture taking EVERY day may have to take a back seat to the planning mommy- time!

So anyway, enjoy the 24th of December, 2010... She makes my mouth water!

Gracelee,

Thank you for helping momma in my task of taking your picture every day! For being a good sport and smiling when I needed you to (uh.... thank you to daddy for making Lady dance in order to make her smile!)! Thank you for having fun and enjoying the moments... and the chocolate!!!!!!

You have been so good this year and Santa is certain to bring you what you want! I LOVE you, baby girl! Merry Christmas!

Love,

Momma

Friday, December 24, 2010

Gingerbread 101

If you are looking for a GREAT gingerbread recipe... check out Gingerbread Cookies 101... time consuming in that they have to chill for a while, but the TASTIEST cookies I have ever tried!!!!

Gracelee and I had a MARVELOUS time creating "masterpieces"

Busy little elf

Me and my girl

I LOVE my little angel! Pizza face and ALL!!

The finished products!

There are not many with M&Ms on them... the candies didn't make it past her little mouth!

Clean up was a breeze because we covered the table with parchment... she got as messy as she wanted... which isn't very messy... she does NOT like things on her hands! = )

Gracelee,

I had a "Royal" (icing... haahaaa!) time with you! You are so much fun, and this being our first time to decorate Christmas cookies together made Momma's heart sing! You are very creative, and would ask for the sprinkles by the proper color name, making you also very smart!

We missed daddy as he had to work, but it was great practice for next time when we can all do it as a family! You are an extraordinary child, and I love you more than words can say! Thank you for being the person you are... attitude and all! You keep things interesting and joyful, and you make us so proud! I LOVE YOU and your little Gingerbread Cookies too!

Love,

Momma