We've had a good Christmas this year. We've done some fun things. So here is a recap before I put our Christmas decorations away and begin making plans for the New Year:)
Monday, December 20 Brett and Tobe went shopping for their Christmas presents and then went to the Pacers game. The girls stayed home and had pizza, ice cream and a slumber party.
We did save a place at our party for Dad and Tobe.
Tobe had lost his tooth that day so the tooth fairy found him in the basement and left him a dollar:)
Wednesday, December 22 we awarded the best decorated house. We love this tradition. We drive around and look at lights and then leave a wrapped gingerbread house kit for the best house. We then come home and make our own gingerbread house.
Thursday, December 23 we had some friends come over for a holiday party. Food, decorating cookies, games and more.
Then we did a "dutch present" (which is what my family called it but I'm not sure why-we googled it and it can't be found) It's hard to explain but I loved it growing up and I think the kids here loved it as well. It's a fun tradition.
I think I've been a little extra homesick this year so I had to squeeze in a few traditions that I was missing from home. Luckily my friends understood and supported me in my efforts:)
Friday, December 24 we went to see the movie Tangled and ate dinner at Olive Garden. (this too is a tradition from when I was a kid and now that my kids are old enough to sit through a whole movie, I am happy to keep it going. It gobbles up the long day of waiting for Santa and I don't have to cook--everyone wins:)
The Christmas Pajamas.
We also open the gift that we bought for each other. Tobe drew my name and he bought me a purple dress. It is super cute and I wear it with pride. Aly bought Daddy a Perry the Platypus from Phineas and Ferb stuffed animal, Jane bought Aly a stroller for her dolls and a Princess Tiana Barbie doll, I bought Tobe "Frank" from Cars, and Daddy bought Jane a Shel Silverstein book of poems.
Saturday December 25. The wait is over!! Santa Claus came to our house and filled the kid's stockings. Aly got make-up and a candy cane (just what she asked for), Tobe got the BIG Mack truck from Cars, and Jane got a sewing machine (which didn't work). Jane is in a hard age because she doesn't want toys, but doesn't not want toys either. Hmmm...Santa had a hard time figuring her out this year. She's growing up!!
Christmas afternoon, we went to the church to eat a Ham dinner and spend time with good friends. This is a nice tradition to give people (without family nearby) a place to go and it's nice to not have to cook a big dinner for a small family. The kids love showing off their new toys and running around in the gym.
We had a good Christmas. In all my homesickness (woe is me-I know) I did manage to stop and think about my blessings and there are many. But mostly as I think of my Savior and what is means to me and my family to believe on His name and follow His example, I am overwhelmed with joy that (in times of loneliness) I am sealed to a forever family. I am so grateful for that.
I hope you all have a Happy New Year!!!
9 comments:
You are doing so good! Continuing traditions and making new ones. Looks like everyone was happy and had fun!!
I still miss you and wish you were closer - especially during the holidays!!
Glad you had a Merry Christmas!!
I love all the traditions! They are great!
Hey Mandy-
I can solve the"Dutch" question. My dad went on his mission to Holland and it was a tradition he learned there. We always had a "Dutch" Christmas party every year where Sinterklaus (the Dutch Santa) would bring the present with a wrapping for each person. My mom would also do a present each year when we had our "Coray" family get together.
That is why you have always heard of it as the Dutch present!
Looks like you had a great Christmas! Your kids are getting so grown up! I was so impressed with Janes birthday... what an example to us all!
It looks fabulous!! I still remember all of our first Christmas there and the fun dinner at the Church. So glad you are still doing that and having fun. Looks like you had a fabulous Christmas!!!
Happy New Year!
I am glad you had a good Christmas. Tee gets mad that I still cry every time I hear the song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
He says you have lived here twice as long as Glasgow, so why is that home?"
I really like your tradition of meeting with friends. That is great.
Looks like everyone had a great Christmas! It is so fun to hear about the traditions you are keeping and creating as a family. We loved talking to and so miss not being with everyone on Christmas, but you are always in our hearts and minds. We love all of you so much and miss you!
I love the best decorated house award...that is very fun! Thanks for organizing the dinner get- together too, you've been super busy :)
I want to say I am back to blogging but let's be honest I am sure it will be awhile again...
Anyway I love your traditions. I may have to steal a few more... :) I love the picture of Tobe and Brett. So cute. Glad you had a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
I am sorry you were extra homesick this year. I had those days too - especially the week after Cmas to New Years. But I LOVE all the fun things you did. The gingerbread house tradition is AWESOME. We may have to try that next year - if I can figure out how to make a decent gingerbread house.
And out of curiosity - what kind of sewing machine did Jane get? Abby saw a pink one at Hobby Lobby the other day and was just oooing and ahhing over it. It was a Singer. Of course, I have NO idea how to sew. You guys need to come down and teach us. We could have a sewing weekend!
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