Christmas Card 2011

Christmas Eve

Darrin ended up having to work on Christmas Eve so we had a pretty low key day.  I wasn't sure exactly how the evening would play out. Would we say Santa was coming? Would we leave cookies and milk for him? Would we let them open a present? We were starting our family traditions and I wanted to make sure they were perfect.

Turns out it wasn't any different than any other night. The kids were so tried we gave them a bath and Reagan asked if she could wear her Christmas pajamas since it was Christmas. I put Grayson in his and I told Reagan I wanted a picture of her and Grayson in their Christmas jamas. She asked if the Elf could be in it too since he was leaving in the morning, we took a few pictures and they went to bed. No Santa talk, no milk and cookies. Just the same 'ole normal routine.

Which was perfect this year. I didn't want Reagan nervous about Santa coming to her house while she was sleeping. She is so uneasy about him, so we just let it be. They were both sleeping by 8:30 and Mr. and Mrs. Claus had some work to do.

That 1 tooth snaggly grin makes me laugh. 

I don't think I've been that giddy and excited in a while. I couldn't wait to see the look on their faces the next morning. Seeing those 2 sweet little smiles come down the hall. Seeing all the wrapped presents and presents from Santa is something I have been looking forward too since becoming a mom. And I knew, in the morning, I would be able to feel the magic that Christmas brings. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. 

Week of Christmas

We had a good week. I tried to fill it with Christmas activities, it's just kind of easier said than done. But that's okay, it made it all that much more worth it. 

We did lots of hiding "Elf." My ideas weren't fantastic, I think next year it will be even more fun to be a little more creative with him, but Reagan still loved looking for him and seeing what he was up too.

We did an advent calender and Reagan LOVED it. I am so glad I decided to do it. Every night once Darrin got home she ran over to the bag to see if it had been filled yet. I always snuck whatever it was in there and she thought the Elf was doing it. She would say, "Oh Elf, I love it! Thank you soooooo much. Mommy, can I give the Elf a hug to tell him thank you?" We always let her hug and thank the Elf. Nothing wrong with hugs right? You can't loose your magic from a hug, he should gain even more magic with a little hug.

I didn't fill her bags with anything special just different candy, random small toys, a necklace and on the last day was her letter from Elf saying he was headed back to the North Pole and 2 pieces of a Santa shaped chocolate. 

This was our first year at making a Gingerbread house. Remember when I said I had seen them somewhere, or maybe I just dreamt I saw one? Well, I guess it was only a dream. I searched hi and low for a gingerbread house, sent Darrin out 2 nights after the kids had gone down and nothing. But I was determined to make one, so over to Amazon.com I went and had one shipped here. 

And it made it even that much better. Going to pick up our package, opening it up and seeing the house and some Christmas cookie cutters made it that much better. 

Reagan and I baked, and baked, and baked, and baked. We baked at least one thing a day, sometimes even two. I am not a baker. In fact at this point, I am over baking. I am a pretty good cook. I cook dinner every night and rarely ever is it a flop. But baking is a whole different story, I just fall short almost every time.  

But she doesn't care. She just likes to help and lick the batter. She always thinks they taste great. 

We made 4 batches of sugar cookies, 3 went in the trash, but I was determined to use the cookie cutters. Once Reagan decorated one cookie she was over it, she just wanted to eat her one cookie and be done with it. Oh well, maybe next year. 

Grayson was awake this time. Usually we bake while he's napping, but he woke up just in time. He started out snacking on some puffs and by the time we were finished he was sampling the cookies. 

We watched Barbie: A Perfect Christmas Movie.

Sneaky Elf tried to open a present under the tree.

Made a cake batter chocolate chip cookie recipe I found on pinterest, it wasn't bad, but not great. And we made 2 batches of pumpkin muffins, 2 batches of blueberry muffins and a batch of pecan muffins.

I have never seen Reagan draw a stick person before. Out of no where, I was finishing cleaning the kitchen, she whips this out. I was impressed, I see a family of 4 right there. 

Afterwards she added another at the top. Duh, can't forget about Maria. 

We did a few Christmas crafts

and if I turned away for a second, Grayson was crafting too. 

We had a good week but I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little emotional at times. Thanks to my good 'ole monthly lady friend, I was even more emotional. Holiday's can be emotional enough as they are and adding that into the mix makes it even more of a rollercoaster. If a song came on, especially Carrie Underwood or Martina McBride singing How Great Thou Art or Silent Night, I could loose it at any moment. Talking on the phone with my family or just watching my family, you never know, but it would hit. I would just tear up with emotion. Some sad that I wasn't home to be there with everyone, some overwhelmed with love as I watch Reagan and Grayson together. One word, blessed. Extremely blessed this Christmas. 

Here are some Christmas songs we jammed out to this year, I love Christmas music: 

Carrie Underwood - Do you Hear what I hear, What Child is this - Entire CD 

Harry Conick Jr - The whole CD/Blue Christmas

Josh Croban - Entire CD

Wilson Philips - Hey Santa

Christina Algulia - 

Clay Aiken - Mary Do You Know

Santa Claus is coiming to town - Mariah Carey

John Berry - Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas 

Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

Vince Vance and the Valance - Alll I want for Christmas is you

Celine Dion - Wish you a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navid - Entire CD

Dean Martin - Let it Snow

Amy Grant - Ill be home for Christmas

Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby

Glen Cambell -  Ill be home for Christmas 

Natalie Grant - Joy to the Word

Cobie Cabalt - Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Rascal Flatts - Comfort and Joy - God Rest Ye

Taylor Swift - White Christmas

Rod Steward - Baby its cold outside

Rhinna - It Doesnt feel like Christmas Without You

Brenda Lee - Rockin around the Chrsitmas tree

Wilson Philip - Hey Santa

Nat King Cole - 

Jason Miraz - Winter Wonderland

Gene Autry - Rudolph 

Gayla Peevy - I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas