Random Christmas Stuff

So I guess I forgot to add a few pictures and things from before Christmas. I love Christmas time... especially when I get to hear my kids singing Christmas songs. Each year the school does a "Christmas Sing." I remember doing that when I was in elementary school too. So fun! Bryson got to participate for the first time this year. They were SO cute! We ended up getting there a teeny bit late, so we ended up CLEAR in the back of the gym... and I forgot to grab my camera (but even if I had it, we wouldn't have been able to get any good pictures). So when we got home, I made him pose outside for a minute. They wore these CUTEST reindeer hats. They sang "Rudolf" of course! He was SO cute. He could see us, and waved at us before he sang. They sang another song too. Dang it! I sure wish I could remember what it was. What kind of mother am I, anyway?



I also wanted to try taking a neat picture of our tree. Since Eryn was willing to help me, and I knew she'd stand still enough, I busted out the tripod and set up this fun picture.

Christmas Morning

The kids got up bright and early (actually, it was definitely not bright, but it was early). They were so excited! Kids make Christmas so much fun. Before we went into the living room, we read the Christmas story from the bible so we could remember what Christmas is really about and what the greatest gift truly is. We have done it ever since Eryn was really little, so I guess it's our own little family tradition. Then we headed into the living room, and Santa had definitely been there. The cookies and milk we left him were gone. So was the carrot we left for the reindeer. In their place was a little letter from Santa. We always take turns opening gifts (atleast the first few). Here are the favorites:

The girls both got digital cameras and MP3 players... and both also got Webkinz, and a few other items. The boys both got Handy Manny, and Bryson got a remote control car and a Dr. Kit, and Hayden got some new Thomas tracks and trains, etc. Jared and I got a new light for over the kitchen table (bye-bye 80's ceiling fan!) and some DVDs, and Jared's favorite, Mayberryopoly!

We went to my parents for breakfast and gift exchange, and hung out there for a bit, then headed over to Grandpa Grace's for a visit. We had a GREAT Christmas!

Christmas Eve!

We had a tradition when I was little... we always got to open ONE present from my Grandma on Christmas Eve. And can you guess what it was every year? New pajamas! We loved that tradition, and my mom has taken over since my sisters and I have had kids. We go over to my parents house each year for dinner on Christmas Eve... sometimes we play games, sometimes we just hang out, but always the kids get to open up ONE present from Grandma - NEW PAJAMAS! They love it. I'm so glad the tradition keeps going. Hopefully someday I can carry it on with my own grandkids.

After dinner and opening presents, we played Rockband. The kids thought that was the most fun thing ever! They loved it. I must say, I had fun too (although it took me a minute to catch on to playing the guitar - I missed the initial instructions, so at first I thought I was just really bad, but I figured it out... my fave was drums, though!) We played for a long time, then we headed home so we could get to bed in time for Santa to arrive!

Grace Family Party

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from my childhood was the annual "Grace Family Christmas Party." I remember having it sometimes at Aunt Anita's house, Grandpa Grace's house, or mostly at Grandpa's Church. Every year we had yummy food to eat (I sure miss Grandma's hot rolls!), gifts from Grandpa (and sometimes Cousin exchanges), and ALWAYS there was a talent show. I remember every year preparing something to perform on the piano. I was the designated participant from my family. (I know my sisters participated atleast once or twice - but I had to every year!) I enjoyed it. Cousins sang, danced, played instruments... but the best part was when Uncle Kent and Uncle Cliff sang O Holy Night. To this day it is my favorite Christmas song (people may wonder why when they hear the special rendition we are treated to each year).
Well, this year did not disappoint. The talent show was BACK full force! Kaitlyn played the piano, and Eryn played the recorder (her broken wrist made piano playing a bit difficult). Some of my cousins kids also performed. More piano... a couple of vocal solos... and of course Uncle Kent was my favorite part. He was missing his duet partner (on a mission in Puerto Rico) but I believe it was truly his shining moment. He deserves some sort of a reward, I swear!! We also did the nativity. There seem to be more kids and less costumes each year, but I always love to hear Grandpa Grace read the Christmas Story straight from the scriptures.

Oh, and if you wonder why Hayden isn't in a single picture... he has a mind of his own, and decided that the toys in the nursery were way better than standing up on the stage for anything. He refused to wear a costume and participate. That little stubborn streak is inherited, by the way!

All Dressed Up

Every Christmas, when I was a little girl, my mom would make me and my sisters new Christmas dresses. Sometimes she was even up late on Christmas Eve still sewing. I loved all those beautiful Christmas dresses she made us. It was a tradition that I treasure. She is a very talented seamstress. I hope she knows how much I STILL appreciate all the work she put in each year. Although I did not inherit that sewing talent, I still love making sure my kids have new church clothes for Christmas each year. When my girls were little, they loved the fancy, "dressy" dresses... they have since outgrown the "princess" phase, and would rather be a little less fancy. Target always seems to come through for me... the girls loved these "more casual" dresses this year, and the boys thought their sweaters with "reindeer" on them were super cool. They were sweet to let me do a little photo session after church on the Sunday before Christmas. It was really chilly out on our front porch, but they were troopers, and I thought they looked so cute. They sand with the primary in the ward Christmas program, and Eryn even sang with the "grown up" ward choir - I played the piano. Jared got to sit down with the kids for the program, which is always a special treat for them - and for me!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!

Well, I will now attempt to BEGIN catching up on blogging. December 22 (Eryn's birthday... and if you missed that post, it's just two below this one) we got hit by a MAJOR snow storm! Of course there was no school, so the kids hurried and got on their gear and headed outside! Eryn chose to enjoy her birthday from the warmth of the house (playing with her new Webkinz on the computer). But I decided to join the other three outside! As I put my snowboots and snow pants on, Bryson said, "Mom... YOU have BOOTS?" He was excited that I was coming outside. We built a great snowman. We made him taller than ME and the kids thought that was great. It didn't take long for me to be ready to go in, but Kaitlyn, Bryson and Hayden stayed out and played for a long time! I even caught them pulling eachother in the sled at one point. They played so well together and had the best time. Isn't snow fun?



I have TONS of pictures of our Christmas adventures - I have only begun to go through them, so stay tuned for many posts over the next couple of weeks as I catch up. I'm going to try to post every two or three days!