THE BEST OF ALL GIFTS AROUND ANY CHRISTMAS TREE: THE PRESENCE

of a happy family all wrapped up in each other - Burton Hillis

Laughter, gluttony, family, spirit and cheer.
We spent last night celebrating with the Youngs and this morning with the Petersons.  Now we're ready for nap!  It's been a wonderful celebration.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

GERMAN SAFETY GOGGLES

In November I bought Larry some German safety goggles for a Christmas present.  They said they would be delivered by April 14.  The goggles have arrived!  So even though it's super late for a Christmas present, they're actually early.  And, they are SO RAD!

Last night he was wearing them while on his phone and while we were watching tv.
This was cracking me up so bad.

Doesn't this remind you of the Notting Hill movie scene?

Larry said, "Wearing these goggles, I feel like I should be welding or riding our motorcycle.  Better yet, welding WHILE riding the motorcycle."
Unfortunately, he can't wear them right now on our motorcycle because it's in the garage torn apart.  Maybe in a few months.  As far as welding, yeah, he can do that.
I want to get a photo of him longboarding in them.  Oh, the possibilities.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 25

We spent the day with family, presents, love and gratitude.  We enjoyed the Christmas magic and also did our best to remember the real spirit of Christmas and the reason for the season. 

Merry, merry Christmas!  I hope your day was wonderful.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 24

Our Christmas card this year -
I got caught kissing the very handsome, barefoot Santa underneath the mistletoe.

Happy Christmas Eve!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 23

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
Tinsel-itus!

This afternoon we had a Christmas movie marathon.  Arthur Christmas, Polar Express and Santa Clause.
It was so nice to relax, snuggle and laugh.  The next two days are going to be so busy - super fun but a whirlwind.  Gah, we're so excited!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 22

We got a super fun family present to go to see the lights at Misson Mill - thanks Hemmert family!
Steve is in town this weekend, so he came with us on our family date.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 21

Homemade goodies for neighbor gifts.

Chocolate candy cane muddie buddies.  These yummy morsels are addicting!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 20

Family movie night, watching Nightmare Before Christmas.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 19

Chocolate chip rice krispie treats.

I grew up with this tasty tradition, which was passed on by my father's family.  One of my dad's favorite childhood Christmas memories is this simple, delicious treat that his dad would make, always with chocolate chips.  My grandfather had a bit of a sweet tooth and he's passed that along as well.

I also make the original rice krispie treats because a few of my man clan are not a fan of my vegan chocolate - too dark for them.  So the nice mama I am, I offer both to suit their fancy.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 18

Giant rein-beer floats with three vanilla bean snowballs.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 17

We put together teacher gifts.

I saw this cute idea on Pinterest.  I usually give gift certificates to Starbucks, Coldstone, etc...so I hope the teachers enjoy this.

What do you think?  Gift certificates or presents for teachers?

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 16

We made graham cracker gingerbread houses.

Some of the houses had secret compartments.  Some caved in from the weight of candy.  And, some of us got belly aches from eating too much candy.  We love this Christmas tradition!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 15

We visited Santa at the riverfront carousel.

This is our favorite Santa.  The wee ones think he just might be the real Santa because he has a real beard.  Landon is always looking for the "beard strings" and this one has passed the test.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 14

We made glittery deer images.

I took black cardstock and traced different images of deer.  Elmers clear liquid glue was used like a pen and the images were quickly "color with glue".  Once the glue was in place, glitter was sprinkled all over.

One piece of advice is to let the paper sit for about 30 minutes before you shake off the excess glitter.  We had an image that we thought was dry but when it was hung, glittery glue started to run.

I used silver and white glitter.  I like the silver images the best.  The bottom one is white glitter and it has an ice look to it, which is cool, but the silver ones really pop against the black paper.

We've hung them on the back of our front door with all the Christmas cards we're receiving.  I love it!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 13

We watched Elf.
We absolutely love this movie!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 12

After school hot chocolate bar.

Merry 12-12-12!