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.