Family Photo Outtakes

For our Christmas card this year we went to Walden Pond for some family photos. Josh's cousin, Porter was in town so we had him snap a few shots of all of us together. I love how they turned out. I had big plans for all these images, but then fell for the cute letter press cards that only allow for one or two photos. I also liked the black and white photo the best with the card design I chose. So much for coordinating my lipstick color with Presley's sweater! Ha!

 Our Photographer

Plants on Wheels

Christmas 2011

We had a great Christmas! I hope everyone out there did as well. We kept everything simple this year. We stayed home and just enjoyed time together. Josh and I promised not to get each other gifts. We set a budget in early Dec and just want to pay off some things asap (he did wind up getting me a fabulous warm coat, though--that stinker!) I totally procrastinated wrapping presents and pulled a late night on Christmas Eve. Santa brought the kids "sports gear" as Presley called it. Charlie a bike, Presley, roller skates, and Noah a skateboard. This will be our LAST Christmas in this apartment since we are no longer affiliated with Harvard. I can't believe it!

Charlie on his new wheels! We were going back and forth on a balance bike, but Santa thought this was easier to get in short notice :)

 Presley got loads of jewelry! She insists on keeping it all in a tiny plastic box. 

 Pres also got a fashion design kit

 Noah got the #1 gift he requested. We totally had him worried asking him over and over again, "what game is it again? Was it lego or regular star wars?"

 Grandpa and grandma Plant got him a cool science kit

 I love how Charlie and Noah wind up sharing their gifts. They definitely get excited for each other thinking of the big plans they have in mind for each present!

 I was worried I'd have to return this book for a set of Pokemon cards, but it was a hit! Yay!!

 Video games may rot your brain, but my kids have been playing together and getting along so well so they can't be all bad! Thank you Lego Star Wars 3

 Charlie and Josh relaxing. 

I got this horrible head cold and went through the equivalent of a whole box of tissues. It was awful. I was sitting in church and my nose just turned on like a faucet. Thankfully it is soooo much better today (for my birthday, woot woot!) I made a simple dinner with turkey breast, mashed potatoes, cranberries, green bean casserole, and everyone got a favorite soda. It was really nice.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Gingerbread Housing Market

List prices vary:

 Some homes come with a car!:

 So cute you could eat them up!:

 Child with bed hair not included.

 We had the missionaries and a friend over for family night last night. Our lesson was building your testimony on a strong foundation. We sang an off-key (my fault :) version of "the wise man built his house upon the rock"

Sunday, Josh taught Presley to play chess. I can't wait for her and Noah to play together. I also hope Pres can beat Noah a few times ;)

O' Holy Night + some comedy

Last week I went to this annual event. The big New England tradition. I designed the flyers.

 I made this beauty:

We also did some awesome Joy School Christmas Events. --they can take Christmas out of the public schools, but they can't take it out of Joy School! Hooray!! The kids and their older siblings participated in the nativity. So sweet.

 Some still photos of the "cast"

 Man I love that ugly Westgate activity lounge. SO MANY memories here.

Then the Joy School students sang for us. This one's a MUST SEE:)

I am loving that my kids are keeping that Christmas spirit alive. Maybe I won't be a scrooge after all! Merry Christmas out there!

P.S. I FINALLY sent out Christmas cards yesterday. Don't judge.

Tis the Season...

I love being a mom at Christmas. In a way, you relive your own childhood through their eyes. Last night we had a church Christmas party and Santa was there. Charlie couldn't take his eyes off of him. He was completely mystified.

I think today was my last day of photo sessions for 2011 (I think). Three sessions in one day! I feel very blessed to have this extra work to help with the school loan payments. Also to make Christmas shopping a little less painful ;)

 We made some Christmas cookies today. We might try something new for Santa this year. Hmmm.

 Charlie and Noah got haircuts. Can you tell? Charlie is definitely going to get hit with the styling gel before we leave the house for a while.

Presley has been working hard at something.

read her note to Santa:

She is working on not crying when things don't go her way. It is so tough to see someone get the book you wanted or get a gift when you didn't. Poor little Pres. I love that she is making an effort:) How cute is her Christmas list?