25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 5

Decorate the tree.

The older boys set the tree with their daddy and did the lights, and the wee ones did the majority of the ornament hanging.  There are some heavy spots and bare spots.  I thought for a second to "fix it" but decided it's perfect the way it is.  The boys are so proud of the job they did and it was absolutely delightful hearing them reminisce of Christmas' past as they would pull the ornaments out of the box.  These boys of ours have very good memories!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 4

Spritz cookies.

I grew up with spritz cookies being made every Christmas.  My mother got a cookie press when she was a newlywed and spritz cookies were one of the recipes that came with it.  She had never heard of them before, so she decided to try it.  She fell in love with these buttery morsels and a family tradition was born.

These cookies get made many times in December at our lair - the man clan gobble them up quickly!

Spritz Cookies

2 sticks butter**
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg**
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 tsp baking powder
2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and flavorings.  Add dry ingredients to butter mixture.  Use a cookie press to put dough on a baking sheet.  Garnish with colored sugar or sprinkles.  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

** To make vegan, substitute butter for Earth Balance and Ener G for the egg.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 3

We cut down our Christmas tree.

We think it's perfect.

PS. - The wee ones might have been playing hide and seek in the Christmas tree rows and perfecting their sasquatch calls.  Which by the way, they are getting really good at it.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 2

Oranges and cloves.

Needless to say, this part of our lair smells amazing.

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 1

We started our Christmas countdown a day early by going to the Nativity Festival last night.  Outside there was a live nativity, complete with sheep, a donkey and a camel.

Inside there are performances from local musicians and school choirs.  There are nativities from all over the world on display.  They are gorgeous and some are very unique.
There is also a life of Christ display in this area with live actors.

There is an interactive children's area that is amazing.  The wee ones didn't want to leave.

If you are local and haven't gone yet, tonight is your last chance. It is FREE and you can go anytime between 5:30 -7:30.  You'll be so glad you went to the 12th Annual Salem Festival.

MY HUSBAND LOVES NO SHAVE NOVEMBER AND SEEMS THAT MY BOYFRIEND IS PARTICIPATING TOO

November is almost over - yay!

photo via vulture

I'M SO EXCITED FOR A NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITION

that we are starting this year.

Although we teach the boys the true meaning of Christmas, I've noticed through the years that sometimes, unintentionally, throughout the Christmas season, were hurrying through it to get to the "fun stuff."  You know, writing letters to Santa, the Santa countdown.  Don't get me wrong, I love the magic of Santa and all the family fun that comes with it.  The problem is, is that we don't spend equal amounts of time in our family focusing on the reality of the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

I was wondering how I could keep it on the forefront without hearing an appeasing brushoff like, "I know, I know, so when can we do (insert Santa activity)?"   I ordered A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman along with a small nativity and let me tell you what is so cool about it.

There are seven chapters that you can break up into seven weeks or seven nights.  We are going to do it in seven weeks, so that we can keep talking about it throughout the week.  The awesome thing about this book it that it isn't 'one more thing to do', it's set up to add to what you already do.  I'm in love with this approach to teach the boys and have them ponder the lesson throughout the week in their boy hearts.

Every week only one figurine will be added to this nativity scene and the lesson is about that figurine.  The chapters are set up for all ages, so we will be able to teach year after year and adjust it to the boy's age and attention span.

Let me give you a few examples.  The chapter about Mary talks about her character and what she might have been pondering in her heart.  One suggestion is to make heart shaped sugar cookies, and as we are decorating them, discuss with the boys their thoughts about if they could have been anyone present on the first Christmas, who would they be and why?  The chapter about Joseph is how he must have felt when there was no room in the inn.  It teaches about service and how acts of service make room in our hearts for the Savior.  One suggestion is to perform a secret act of service as a family. The chapter on angels focuses on our favorite carols that testify of Christ.  One suggestion is to sing them as a family and drink yummy hot cocoa.

I'm so excited to start the seven nativity traditions this week.  I know my man clan will love it and look forward to the next lesson and the next, until the nativity is complete.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

THANKSGIVING PEEK

The bow tie cousins with their grandmother.

My mom made Lach and Landon's bow ties from Larry's ties - they are so special.
I love my little Redenbachers.

My brothers crack me up.  They are so fun and I love that we all get along so well.

We had a wonderful family dinner with a lot of delicious food, laughter, a little wrestling and shenanigans.  And of course, little boy cousin bickering.  One of these days they'll shock us by getting along the whole time.  Oh, we'll be so thankful.  They sure are cute though and give the best hug and that makes up for it all.

IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING

We're counting our blessings and naming them one by one.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to you, our family and friends.

WE CELEBRATED HIS 17TH BIRTHDAY TONIGHT WITH OUR FAMILY

After birthday wishes, presents and cake, I passed the camera around and requested self portraits.  They crack me up - I think I need to ask for self portraits more often!