Christmas Goodies

The kids were so excited to decorate sugar cookies for Santa (and for themselves!).

They had a messy, tasty, good time!

Hiram crashed out during lunch, so he missed out on the fun.

Their lovely creations!

I mentioned how our grandparents always spoil us!  Gramma and Grampa Blue-Eyes sent us some of their homemade Cinnamon-Bun popcorn,

and homemade melt-in-your-mouth caramels.  They also sent us some German Chocolate cake mix and frosting and Jiffy cornbread muffins- my favorite!

The kids made up these bags of Hershey's kisses for their classmates and teachers with tags that said, "Merry Kissmas!" on them.  They also gave their teachers gift cards to a book store, I just wasn't up to making gifts this year.  I don't think the teachers minded!

Trees of Hope

We went to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to see CHEO's Trees of Hope.  Peacock feathers were pretty on this one.

 

Kaleb liked how this one was topped with a Pirate's hat.

Noe liked the big poinsettias on this one.

Gavin just loved the blue on this one.  The Shaw mascots make for interesting ornaments.

Teague found another Pirate tree that he thought was so fun.

Hiram liked the snowflakes here, but did not want his picture taken.

I liked the HUGE pink bow on this one.

 

Purple was the most popular color this year, seen on many trees.  I like the white boas and want to add that to our winter wonderland tree next year!

 

*What's more Canadiana than Tim Horton's?  There was a tree all decorated with Tim Horton's coffee cups, napkins, and snowflakes made out of their spoons.  The tear-jerker tree came from the "A Home for Every Child" foundation that advocates adoption for all children not just infants.  I wish I could adopt every child that needs a home!

My new Climber, ugh!

This boy would run and hide when I'd get my camera out.  So how did I get this pic of him looking at the camera?

And smiling so cute?

I caught him in the act of climbing, and he was so proud of himself.

Yep, he's figured out how to move chairs over to the counter and climb on up, argh!!!  He then loves to remove stuff from the fridge and throw all of my important papers (doctor's appointments, field trip requirements, weekly menu, etc) on the floor, which then easily get sucked underneath the fridge.  Oh, yes he's pleased with himself, but momma isn't so happy about his new skill!

Gavin is 7!

Gavin turned 7, so I whipped up some cupcakes to take to him and his class at school.

We arrived at lunchtime, and all the kids were excited to have a little treat.

I love his cute birthday crown!

After school, we ran to the mall for a visit with Santa.  Gavin told Santa it was his birthday, and Santa new he was 7.  That Santa is one smart cookie!

Back home to open presents.

New trains and tracks to add to our collection and lots of money from both of his sets of grandparents.

Let's eat cake!

(Not my best creation, but I am pregnant and not feeling so great.)

Gavin was thrilled with his new "trackmaster" trains.

His little brothers were excited to play too.

What cute train engineers!

New Favorites

This year I finished the family room.  I think my new "JOY to the world" painting tops off the stockings much nicer than the TV does.  I also covered our throw pillows to look like gifts.

This was our December mantel for a week.  Thanks for the 3 new Santas mom!

I love all of my nativity sets, but I think this one is my favorite.  No one of my favorites, I think they're all tie for my favorite!

Our kitchen "island" filled out a little this year.

I also got a couple of new "little" Santas for my shelf.

We always decorate our porch with our wreath, Merry Christmas sign, and hang ornaments.  This year we added ornaments to the front of the garage.  I REALLY want outdoor lights one of these years!

Tree #3

Our Candyland tree matches our basement so well!

The kids did a great job decorating again.

Oh, I just love them!

I arranged our shelves a little differently this year. 

I love everything so merry and bright!

Tree #2

This tree is in our master bedroom and can be seen from the street outside (our attempt at outdoor Christmas lights, ha).  Len and I decorate this one all by ourselves.  Fun date!

 

I made these ornaments in 2012 for our basement tree, 2013 I made another dozen all white for this tree, in 2014 I think I need to make another dozen in red, gold, green, and silver for our main-floor tree!

I started these frames several years ago (can't even remember when!), and finally finished them this year.

Let it Snow



Some of my best friends are Flakes

They're in our room for December, then make a nice centerpiece for our dining room table in January!