These I love...

I love the stockings my sister Georgie made for our family.

I love this yummy treat: cake balls. Also known as cake pops. Or L'il Rounds, as we like to call them. Go here for the recipe. So we did do a little holiday baking after all, but I forgot to play Christmas music and I barked at the kids a few times. But the finished result was all kinds of YUM. And Bill did all the dishes, so maybe I'll even do it again next year.


I realize this is not the typical attractive family picture you want to represent your holidays, but it is so precious to me because it is US. No matching outfits. No perfect smiles. No make up. Heck, I don't think I even have on proper undergarments, if you know what I mean. But I love this picture from our own little family Christmas celebration. In the past I would buy gifts for the kids to give one another. This year, we told them that they could do jobs around the house to earn money to buy each other gifts (they don't get an allowance) or come up with something on their own. They chose creativity. And re-gifting. It was the best gift exchange EVER.

Jack really thought carefully about what he had that would bless his brother and sister and gave sacrifically. To Tate he gave his stuffed Chick-fil-A cow because he knew Tate liked it.
To Luci he gave a stuffed monkey he is special to him because he got it from his preschool graduation. And to Em he gave the first gift he ever received, a stuffed dog from my parents that looks like their dearly departed dog.
I wanted to protest that one, but how can you argue with generosity?

Tate gave his brother and sister (to share) his old ipod shuffle. He even made a scavenger hunt throughout the house for them to find it.
After this gift, Jack was in his own little world singing and dancing intermittently to "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Heartless" for the rest of the celebration. Exhibit A...
Em gave her brothers coupons she made to clean their rooms, do one of their jobs around the house, sleep in her room, etc. And she purchased trophies at the dollar spot in Target and wrote "Best Brother" on them. Jack is so proud of his trophy.
She made Luci this precious ornament...
Tate was pretty clever. He realized Luci didn't have a clue what was going on, so he wrapped up one of her own toys...
This strategy was employed by all of them for other recipients...their parents. Bill got the stapler off his desk and some of his own books...
I got my own robe and Bill's sunglasses, among other things...
But we did get some gifts that were legit. Em made us "Best Mom Ever" and "Best Dad Ever" ornaments...
The kids received gifts from their parents, but we got them each a real present instead of wrapping up their own stuff. Em was happy with a puffer vest. I love that clothes and shoes are not only acceptable, but desirable gifts in her book.

Tate is now packin' heat. Air soft, that is...
I hope that isn't a decision I will regret. Can you say choking hazard?
Jack was getting a lego set. To throw him off, I wrapped a decoy gift for under the tree. It was one of those little toys that poops out brown jelly bean like candies. I know I shouldn't encourage potty humor, but I can't help it sometimes. I thought he would be a little disappointed that this was his big gift from his parents. I was wrong...
He loved it. Although he was also excited when he found the lego set hidden in the oven.
Little Lulu got her new crib bedding.,,
My friend Beth made it all. She is amazing. Lulu is making the big move from a pack-n-play in our room to the room she shares with her sister. I think Lulu is thinking, "Thanks for the bedding and all, but I'd kind of like some jammies that fit. The keyhole look isn't in for sleepwear this year..."

Love this time of year, though I may get distracted by the busyness. Love this family, though I may not always show it well. Love the One who came to rescue me.