Deck the Halls...

mmm...kiss cookies
almond roca...'nuff said
Katie picked this lolly-pop ornament.

Well normally, I go all out on decorating...NOT this year! I must admit I have not really been in the Christmas mood...(weird, i know) So, I figure I would let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, and confess my holiday sins....So this is seriously it, folks. I didn't ever get the 'real' tree, hence the three tree get-up, and I didn't even put ornaments on it. ( I do buy the kids one ornament a year, and that is the only thing on the tree, besides the lights.) Loser, I know. I left all the boxes of my 'Santa' collection in the basement, and the only Nativity I put out is the Jim Shore one I got last year. Very simple. Usually,I have the place all lit up with garlands and lights and it oozes of Christmas. This year I guess I just needed a break.

Anyway, all afternoon I have busied myself with cooking goodies for Christmas at my Mama's house tomorrow. I can't wait! I am actually really looking forward to our gift exchange and getting together with my Brothers and Sisters!! I just love my Family!! I am one lucky Girl, to have such great people surround me....to joke with, to play with, and even get serious with from time to time. (not very often...we aren't a super serious bunch) Either way, I am glad we will get to hang out tomorrow. (we'll miss you Josh and Amanda and Darrell and Stephanie)

Then we are on to Gramma Fish' on Christmas eve....The BEST Swedish Smorgasbord EVER!!! Our family has some great family traditions for sure! I look forward to seeing everyone there, too! It is so crazy how you can live only an hour or so away and still not get together often enough! So, maybe this means I am getting into this "Holiday" thing a little more! Bring on Christmas....It took the whole month, but I guess I am ready!! (well NOT technically...I haven't wrapped one present..not kidding...i will be busy till 3am or so wrapping.) Hohohoho. (look, I am trying real hard here to stay in the Christmas spirit)

Peace out.

Katie...

Katie had her first piano recital yesterday afternoon. She was so excited, and did really well! I really just love that she is not shy about things!! Because I am terrible, and forgot my camera, this is the most recent picture of Katie I have. She sure loves helping with Jason! Boy am I lucky.

Wowzers!!

Holy moly!! It is crunch time, Ladies!!! Are you ready for this? I for one am trying so hard NOT to feel like pulling my hair out. I really, honestly can NOT believe Christmas is already here!! So, good luck. I know I'm gonna need it!

I'm dying to know....

So, with all the chaos at Christmas and FIVE kids,I am dying to know how you all deal with it...Okay, first off, how do you organize the whole gift thing for your kids?? Do you have a budget per child, a number of gifts per child, or go 'hog' wild!??!!?
Any special traditions? I have always given Pj's on Christmas Eve....Do you make a big deal about Santa? I have heard the 3 gift idea and the JOY gift idea, which sound good to me, I am just wondering what real people I know do!!!
Anyway, I am just dying to know how you and your family does this whole Christmas thing....Go ahead, spill your beans!

Update...Finally!!

Ya, so we got a good amount of ice out of the storm. Driving through town out here looks like a tornado came through. Trees and branches everywhere. Pretty crazy. I do love how beautiful the trees look with ice, though. It is almost like a fairy princess land, all glittery and sparkly!! A lot of people lost power for a long time....we only lost it for about 4 hours. Lucky us!

Introducing....

Gramma Fish now has a blog!!! Go check it out, and welcome her to the 'Club'!! She put up some fun pictures of Christmases past. It's fun... Glad your here Gramma!!

Da' Boys!

Here are some pictures of my boys! You have no idea how much I love to say that!! Jared is so cute with Jason...if Jason whimpers Jared is right there...giving him a bottle or a pacifier.....or as you can see in the picture bringing him to me!! I won't lie, I still get nervous when he picks Jason up, but he is so careful and proud of himself, and I do think it is pretty cute. Anyway, this morning I put Jason on his belly and he loved it! He thought he was definitely some BIG stuff, so I had to get my camera and take a picture! Yup, we still think he is dang cute..... Is it too obvious? Am I getting annoying, yet? Hope not! I really can't help it!:)

Ice, Ice Baby!

We here in Missouri are getting ready for round two, of an ice storm! We had a little piddly one this weekend, but apparently the one tonight is supposed to be bigger! SO I figured I would show you a leaf off the tree in my front yard, with just a little ice. I do think it is very beautiful....As long as we don't lose power! I don't mind staying in, having the kids home from school, as long as we can stay warm and cook!:) Anyway, we are just home tonight ready for anything. Here are a few random pics I took this afternoon.

A few more random pictures...

Ella loving the Dora coloring book she got!
Katie, Rebekah and Tate, and Kyle
Jared opening his present

Thanks to Cindy, my mother-in-law, for putting all these family things together every year for us! She is always so excited to get everyone together, and is the most patient woman I have ever met. We always have a good time when we are together, and we miss the family that can't be here....(uhh, that's mostly Jarom and Rosie....and YES we miss them!!)

Jason and his Daddy...

Aren't they SO cute!? Jason and Dad, relaxing while everyone else does gingerbread houses.

The Gingerbread Chaos....

Ginger bread houses....

The Galbraith Family tradition.....Seth's Mom, Cindy has set aside the first weekend in December for the Family Christmas. That means, presents, food and gingerbread making. The kids LOVE,love it! This year seemed to come early, but I was glad, because it made me realize, Yup, Christmas IS coming!!! We all had a wonderful time. (except for Amber, she and 3 of her kids were sick, and ended up staying home and missing out!) Here are a few shots of my kids and their houses.....

Jared's first grade class.... You can also see Kyle on the top back row.
Annie on the top row....in pink and brown. Cute girl!

Christmas Program

Last night was our Elementary Christmas program. Katelyn had a duet, and was so excited! She was so cute about it....I was afraid she would get nervous once she saw all the people there. Katie got out there and sang her little heart out! I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO bummed out because I didn't bring the video camera. *darn it* Why do I even have one of those things!!? Anyway, all the kids did such a good job. Here are a few pictures.

Time flies...

Our baby boy is officially two months old today!! WOW! I can't believe it has been two months already! Jason is already smiling and trying to 'talk' to us. He is just such a good baby! We love him to pieces! I just wanted to share this sweet picture of his chubby cheeks! Isn't he just the cutest thing?? We sure think so!

The List...

The to-do list gets longer and longer!! It is isn't even December yet!!! The reason I am blogging about this today, is because I actually put the list on paper....Yup, it's out of my head and down on the "now that you actually wrote me, your gonna have to do me" paper, I've been avoiding! I know, I should just get over it, and go on my Merry way....

This month my main goal is to actually ENJOY the season. So, no more stress for me...I am going to get -R- done with a happy attitude!

I was going through some pictures and this picture of Katelyn made me laugh, and has inspired me to get into the holiday spirit.....with the gusto, only a five year old has! SO...go on today...get your business done, and be HAPPY about it!

Party like a rockstar....

So tonight we had a small family birthday party for Jared!! He was excited as ever to get presents....I bought trick candles, and that gave us all a good laugh! He could not believe the candles kept coming back on. Good times, indeed! We love you Jared!

Happy Birthday Jared!

My baby boy is now 7 years old! I can't believe it! Where has the time gone? I swear, I am still a mother of babies....NOT the Mom of these "older" kids!!:)

I am so thankful for Jared. He is a sweet boy. He is kind to his sisters and brother. He tries his best. And I am grateful for him. I just can't help but be grateful to a loving Father in Heaven, who sends us these babies that fit us so well! I love that I am a part of a family that fits! So, I love you Mr.Hunter! Happy 7th Birthday!

Uh...I guess I have a lot to blog about or something.

Here is a picture I got today messing around with my camera settings....not to creative, but since I couldn't leave the house, this is what I got. This is mostly for you, Alan. Enjoy.

Is it me, or does it look like this Daddy loves his baby? Don't misunderstand me....Jason is just as in love with Dad, too! When Seth gets home from work, he carries Jason around with him everywhere. Seth holds him while he reads, too. I am sometimes afraid Seth will spoil him! That's one thing I've learned, though....time goes way to fast, why not spoil him!?

Don't you love the picture with Seth yawning....it almost looks like He's gonna eat Jason....Don't worry, he is just plain tired!

Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll!! I hope wherever you are, wherever you go, that you have a safe and wonderful day!

I am so thankful (imagine that) for this time of year. Especially for this holiday to give us all a reason to reflect and look at all the reasons we have to be thankful... We have been so blessed this year. We love you all, and are grateful for the part each of you play in our lives. Thank you!

~The Seth Galbraith's

Our little Rebel...

Jason and his first mohawk. Just thought I'd share.....

Since the weather is getting colder......

Ella figures she should put the swim suits away for something a little more practical.......'See Mom, there is a little more fabric on this.' What do you do???

Garth Brooks

So last night Seth and I went with Jake and Misty to the Garth Brooks concert in Kansas City! It was something I have wanted to do since I was 13. It was AMAZING!!! Garth really knows how to put on a great show. I was actually a little worried about even going....but I seriously loved it. I almost actually felt like I was 13 again....and I was surprised that I hadn't forgotten any of the lyrics!! So fun! Yea, Seth was a good sport about the whole thing too!!
The only bad side effect....(Seth thinks, anyway) is that now that I have been to a concert I am ready to go again....I am all ready planning on others I want to see!!! ( I haven't been to a concert since we were married!! Shameful, I know!)
Anyway, I am just happy I can cross, "Go to a Garth Brooks concert" off my list of things I've always wanted to do...
I've even thought about digging out my old Cd's of his and listening to them again!
Oh, ya...and I took some great pictures with Misty's camera.....they got erased by her retarded computer! I am beyond bummed out! (so is Misty, obviously!!)

Family Pictures...

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2


3
4

So, I decided I wanted to try to get a good family picture of all of us while the leaves were still pretty.....So I set up the tri-pod and used my remote to get these. What one do you like best? It is so hard to get a good group shot when you aren't able to move around and get the little ones to look at you. Notice how poor Ella was not real sure about where to look. Anyway, I was still pretty glad to get what I got....this is the most cooperative my kids have EVER been for a family picture for me!! So, let me know what you think.....which one is print worthy?

Jason is adorable

Okay, Okay...I understand I have posted a MILLION pictures of Jason. But you have to understand....I am in love with this little guy!! I had to post this picture I got of him today after his bath because, well...it is so cute! Indulge me, would ya!

Self portrait..well kind of

Last night I realized I only have one picture of Jason and I....Because I am always the one with the camera. I started feeling really bad..,So this morning after his bath I took a few of us together. Here is a sample....he he eheheheh! Hey,it's the best I could do, with out pulling out the tri-pod and setting a timer. (which I am sure I will do soon!!)

Under the Big Top....

They need to calm down....They are supposed to be the 'parents'!!
Don't they look picturesque? Swinging from ropes and all.....
Gideon grew an Afro, in honor of Andrew.....a slight resemblance, eh!??!
Even guys with really long legs need a place to rest....Al might understand.
We wore Jason completely out!! Is He not the cutest tiger ever!!!?!?