Planning next Christmas

There is no better time to think about the things you would like to change about your Christmas celebrating than right after Christmas.

I am making a list of who I am going to buy for, who I am going to make something for and what traditions I want to implement or cut out.

Ofcourse I want to buy 1-2 gifts per child. This past year we cut the amount of money we spent by 75% per child. We spent about $40-$50 where as we normally spend $200. Next year we are definately going to keep this change. It was simpler and way less stressful.

Each child was able to buy a $10 gift for each of their siblings.

A family present was given from my mom & dad, aunt & uncle, and from Daddy & I. This year we gave them a tree house. Next year we will focus on a family gift as well.

I do want to give each of the ladies in my family a handmade craft next year. I will make a list of all the ladies and begin making these in June. This year I totally missed this part of gift giving. I was so concerned about the drop in funds for Christmas, I forgot to give to these important women in my life.

I will also plan a special garden for growing foods to make different preserves for gifts. My plan was to have a small basket for each family containing blueberry jam, pepper jelly, dehydrated blueberries, basil vinegarette, ect. I really only canned enough for our family to make it through until next season. Therefore, the baskets did not make it together.

As far as traditions, I am keeping the breakfast foods that I have been making the past few years. Honey Bun Cake, Monkey Bread, two quiche, and kolaches. I also implemented breakfast punch this year and will keep that tradition.

GO ahead and make a list of any last minute trips you had to make to the store so you are sure not to forget these items next year. Also take note of anything that you wish you would have had (cooking utensil, serving plate) and try to add those affordably throughout this next year.

Christmas Morning 2008

This year was the first year that we actually put Christ back in Christmas. We avoided the commercialization of the season by only buying what the children needed and Santa brought everyone a musical instrument for the kids to play on music night

Here are 3 of my babies on Christmas Morning -

Notice Hannah's "Christmas Hat." It is actually was the only things she asked Santa for. (She later added a request for a guitar) -------->

Oh yeah - this is my man getting excited about his socks!! (above) Oh and our puppy got a keyboard! (below)

Then Daddy saved the best for last and sent Mommy (ME) on a scavenger hunt looking for clues to find her new wedding band!!! My original one has diamonds (I shouldn't be complaining right) and it always scratches my babies, so he bought me a beautiful smooth titanium band. GO DAD!!!

I hate to say it but I was ready to put up the tree this year. New Year Here I Come!

Hannah's Visit From Santa Claus!

Hannah had a visit from Santa at her school. It was so sweet that Santa brought the children wrapped books!


Did I mention Hannah is half puppy these days?

With an unspoken effort to shy away from the commercialism of Christmas this year, Santa knew just what to bring. He brought her a pop-up nativity story! It was such a CUTE book! In fact all the other children were crowding around Hannah and I to read her book. What was funny was that all the other books that we saw were about Santa and toys and the North Pole.

Maybe we shouldn't judge children so quickly.

Just maybe if they had the chance to really choose......

......................they would choose to celebrate the real Reason for the Season

.....go figure.

Happy Veteran's Day

This past Veteran's Day was spent with our most favorite Veteran of all!....POPS!

After he got over us waking him up early for donuts, he was happy to be with us too!