Grandma's Christmas Ornaments

Each year for Christmas, my Mom gives the grandchildren an ornament for the tree. This year for our kids, she gave them a Ronald McDonald House Carribeaner that she tied a christmas ribbon on. This was a special ornament for our family because of the time we spent there when Addison was in the NICU.

Patrick, Addison and Grandma


Stuart & Grandma

Raeleigh & Grandma

Addison & Grandma

Jordan & Grandma

Samantha & Grandma

I am so glad my mom carried this tradition on from her mother.

I had to include this picture as well. Because the kids were so excited to have Grandma read to them. Raeleigh, Grandma, Stuart

Cute Stocking Stuffer

I couldn't resist putting Addison in this stocking. I love the little Santa Hat as well. She is a sweet little stocking stuffer!

Decorating for Christmas

Okay all these sideways pictures are driving me crazy! But I can't figure out how to fix them, I have tried several times. Sorry about this.



Stuart put the tree together this year. (Dec 6, 2009) He also put the lights on the tree.

Patrick was helpful, by holding Addison. Notice they are both asleep in this picture. Cute.

Our finished tree!

Addison's pink baby christmas ornament.

The kids had a great time decorating for Christmas! Decorations always help me to get me more excited for Christmas as well.

Christmas Evening

Christmas afternoon/evening we went to Grandma and Grandpap Smith's. This is the part of the day that Craig and I were really lookin forward to, because Tony was calling!!!!!!!!!

We ate a yummy dinner. Everyone talked to Tony. (This is when we saw the biggest smile out of Patrick all day - while he was on the phone. Of course, I didn't think to take a picture of that.)

Grandma, Grandpap, Joy and Austin spoiled the kids with presents. Morgan, Samantha and Jordan all got MP3 players. So of course they had to figure them out that night.

Christmas Morning

The kids were awake early. And came to wake us up. I was fast asleep when they came in. Craig heard them counting 1 - 2 - just before they said 3, Craig sat up and said "Merry Christmas". That is what woke me up. So downstairs we went,to wake Morgan up and open presents. Morgan was difficult to wake up as usual. She finally did wake up and was rather grumpy while we all open gifts.

I will post a few pictures later.

Christmas Eve

Pictures will be posted later!!!

Christmas Eve brought a new twist on reading of the Christmas story. Craig and Morgan had wanted to act out the story, including the quotes of Samuel the Lamanite. So we went with it. Patrick's baptist heritage come out as he read the part of Samuel the Lamanite. Patrick he made a great preacher.

Craig and I were Joseph and Mary. Raeleigh's doll was the baby Jesus.

Samantha was the angel that appeared to the Shepards, Morgan and Raeleigh, letting them know that the Savior was born.

Stuart and Raeleigh took turns holding the star above us so that the wisemen, Samantha and Jordan, could find us.

This was a memorable family time. I love to watch our kids have fun with each other. Sharing the gospel and our testimonies has become precious to me. I hope that our children will grow to have their own testimonies and rely on Jesus Christ for strength in their personal lives. I am grateful for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the time set aside each year to remember/focus on his birth.

Christmas Ornaments

Each Christmas, my Mom sends the kids a ornament for their trees. Thanks Mom, they're beautiful as always. Here are pictures with their ornaments this year!

Patrick

Stuart

Raeleigh

Morgan

Samantha

Jordan

Decorating for Christmas

I love this willow tree nativity. Craig has been giving me pieces for while. I get excited to add a new piece each year. The picture to the left is a close up of the Holy Family. Below is the whole nativity scene.

Patrick set up the willow tree nativity. He was also the designated photographer for the evening.

Samantha made hot chocolate for everyone. Yummy, thanks!!

Morgan set up the Bethlehem Village. She pays attention to detail so it had to be perfect.

Below Stuart is putting the orgami star on top of the tree. Jordan mad the star.

Jordan put garland and lights on the banister. This is where we put some of Craig's 12 days of Christmas decorations.


Raeleigh is holding up the wall hanging Santa. We had this up for a few days and then noticed it had become subject to the humidity (mold). So our wall hanging had to go to the trash:(

I love to have the Christmas decorations out. I like to do this the day after Thanksgiving, but this doesn't always happen. This year it was three days after Thanksgiving, on Sunday that we decorated. Craig had a long bishopric meeting, so it was just the kids and I that decorated. I gave each of the kids a project to work on.