Wanted Gifts vs. Needed Gifts

This year, we have been stressing to our boys about gifts. We have been telling them numerous times, that we are focusing more on the true meaning of Christmas. They were even told to think about what they really needed/wanted for their Christmas lists. We have had mixed results.

On their letters to their Grandparents, David asked for gift cards to Bass Pro. This is helpful for scouting. Noah asked for a new PSP game. Not a necessity, but I was glad he only asked for that and nothing else. Ethan asked for a Nintendo DS. Now, that isn't a necessity at all. I told him not to be disappointed if he didn't' get one, but I'm fairly sure one will be arriving soon.

We always get them 3 gifts each. I am finished shopping for Noah & Ethan and need to get David one more thing. His request was an IPod - not going to happen. He has an MP3 player that works just fine.

I want us to enjoy time as a family during this Advent season. My goal if for us to visit a local Walk-Thru Nativity display. It's free, and I've heard it's very well done. We simplified our decorations this year - I love it!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Snapshots from Christmas

David, Noah and my great-neice playing on Rock Band.

Ethan opening Backyard Baseball for Wii.

Noah loves his Florida Gators!

David opening another Wii game.

The kids are loving all of their new "stuff". Noah is currently building his 2nd lego set that he received. David has been playing Rock Band everyday and Ethan has been enjoying his new Star Wars toys.

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas. I pray that we all enjoy our time with our families and that the real reason we celebrate is not forgotten.

Countdown is On

The boys have one more week of school until Christmas Break. This year they get 2 weeks off, usually it's about 1 1/2 weeks off. I have a lot on my list to finish before next Friday. I bake pumpkin bread for gifts that they can give to their bus drivers, Art, Music and Gym teachers and our dear neighbor that drives them to the bus stop in the cold months. I use my Pampered Chef mini-loaf stone and they little loaves of bread are wrapped in treat bags. That is my goal for Monday - to finish baking. On Tuesday, I am helping with the 7th grade party and on Friday I am helping with the 1st grade party. Think there is much difference with 1st and 7th graders? Should be fun!

Memories From a Tree

One of my favorite things when decorating is putting the ornaments on the tree. When I married, my mom gave me all of the ornaments that I had been given as a child. On our honeymoon, we bought 2 ornaments to remember Gatlinburgh. Each year, the boys receive an ornament in their stocking so they will have them to take when they move out. Some of my favorite ornaments are our "First Christmas" ornament, the boys "First Christmas Baby" ornaments and anything with snowmen on it. I kind of have an unhealthy thing for snowmen - shh don't tell hubby! I do love how all of the ornaments add to our memories of Christmas each year.

O' Christmas Tree

Artificial tree vs. Real tree - Real tree you get the good smell and the upkeep of watering it. Artifical tree you get the joy of looking for where the pre-lit lights plug into each other.