Saturday, March 3, 2012

Gingerbread Manger 12-12-11

In years past, Tyson and I have enjoyed making gingerbread trains, but this year I really wanted to try and instill the importance of the birth of our Savior.  From the Living Scriptures website, I received an email containing a family home evening lesson on Christ's birth, complete with recipe and instructions on how to make this stable and manger.  I made all the piece earlier in the day with Tyson's help and by the end of the day we were ready to assemble.  The kids each helped apply the icing  and the coconut hay, and I molded the baby Jesus.  This was our center piece on our table for the rest of the month and it opened up many conversations with the kids on why Christmas is celebrated. 










1st time on Santa's lap 12-10-11

This was the first year we had a ward Christmas party with Santa.  The theme of the party was Polar Express and it was a breakfast with lots of hot chocolate.  The whole party was well done and so much fun for the kids.  The highlight, of course, was Santa!!!  This was actually the first year that Tyson actually wanted to sit on Santa's lap.  In previous years he was terrified of Santa so we never pushed it, but this year Tyson actually told me that he wanted to see him.  Because of his fear I was a little worried about Karissa's reaction, but she walked right up and climbed on Santa's lap.  It probably helped some to have her big brother there with her, but they each were very open about what they wanted; Tyson asked for a laser tag gun and Karissa asked for a pony (My Little Pony).  It has been a great memory for them, they still talk about it.

Temple Square Christmas lights 11-28-11

This was our first time back to see the lights on Temple Square since before Karissa was born.  We went early in the season to avoid the extreme cold and we were able to meet up with some friends of ours, the Mathers.  Tyson and Jackson sure had a great time together, and Karissa had so much to look at.  It was a great way to start the season right by focusing on it's true meaning, the birth of our Savior!




The Mathers

Decorating the Christmas tree 11-27-11





Thanksgiving Tree 2011


This was our second year of making our Thanksgiving Tree.  This year I was more on top of things and started at the beginning of the month.  To dress it up a bit Tyson and I went out and gathered various leaves flowers and twigs to make this cute banner (although the "G" was made from macaroni).  Tyson and I had fun creating the letters from each piece of nature that we found.  He did such a great job, I love how it turned out!

For this years tree, we had Karissa participate too.  Each of the kids came up with all the things they were grateful for all on their own.  Everyday the kids each put one leaf on the tree indicating one thing they were grateful for.  The only stipulation was that nothing could repeat, everyday had to be something different.  Mom on the other hand had to write at least five different things I was grateful for.  It took me a little more time, but it helped me to really think about and ponder upon all my many blessings!  
Since Tyson in writing now he was excited to write each thing down on his own.  Karissa of course needed help from mom but she was so eager to tape hers up on the tree.  It was such a fun experience with the kids, they loved it and I loved to hear about what they were truly grateful for!!!  It has been a great way to keep the spirit of the season!

Tyson is grateful for:  Jesus, family, crackers, ketchup, magazines, clothes, mom and dad, shirt, pen, church, cup, juice, food, red, ABC's, oranges, clouds, toys, tape, spoon

Karissa is grateful for:  Jesus, oranges, crackers, car, window, show (movies), snow, Mommy, toys, Tyson, pumpkins, songs, juice, Daddy, light, smoothies, suckers, toast

Mommy is grateful for:  Jesus, The Spirit, Ben, Tyson, Karissa, to be a wife, to be a mother, sunny days, my eyes, the gospel, ears, ability to walk, family, beauty of the earth, sun, to not be in want, Ben's job, freedoms of our country, eternal families, spirit of the holidays, creativity, reliable cars, Christ's birth, herbs, naps, warmth, dates with Ben, warm clothes, time on earth, soft bed, forgiveness, patient and loving husband, kisses, hugs, laughter of my children, all I have learned and will learn, traditions, the ability to play with my kids, cleanliness, hot showers, telephones, compliments, eye glasses, church callings, opportunities to learn, to be alive, cooking abilities, to be surrounded by amazing family, smells of the holidays, smell of pine trees, supportive husband, Christmas decorations, Ben's talents, flowers, Fall, colors of fall, talents, clear blue skies, rainy days, The Atonement, Ben's love, clean water, scriptures, playing with the kids in the snow, technology, internet, pictures, modern conveniences, memories, grocery stores, fire, light, soap and water, my body, animals, education, camera, I'm not alone, hot chocolate on cold days, safe area to live, books, warm home, good health, oxygen, plants, sleep, the giggles of the kids, warmth of the sun, answers to prayers, running water, water heaters, merciful Savior

First snow storm 11-19-11

 
Karissa was a big helper!!!  She insisted on doing it "HERSELF"!  (Miss Independent)
Tyson's snow angel.




Yummy snow!








Random Oct. 2011 pictures

So pretty!


Looks like a receptionist.  She loved wearing mom's shoes.

Karissa found Tyson's old costume.


Playing at the park.







Halloween cookie decorating.