It's Christmas Adam!

Our family likes to celebrate Christmas Adam......(Adam came before Eve). Kinda kooky I know, but it is our family Christmas party. Dinner is whatever anyone wants. We watch Christmas movies, and everyone sleeps around the tree. The kids love it! Some years we all go to a restaurant, and other years we pick up take out from several spots. Jared wasn't too thrilled, but tonight is sounding like a several place night. Lizzie is thinking pizza, Emily and Tyler want Panda Express, and Ainsley is undecided. Unfortunately they all argue about which movies to watch. Any good ideas? Bajio here I come!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

I Love Goo Gone!

So today I was doing my normal laundry. I pulled out of the DRYER a load of pajamas and ten pairs of khaki school pants.....all covered in ink! I mean COVERED, not just a few ink spots on each of them. It was like someone had exploded a pen in their hands and then wiped the ink EVERYWHERE. I saw this and actually didn't cry...yea for me! I did call Jared and say I wanted to cry though. Anyway, I pulled down the Goo Gone from the shelf and started squirting. I honestly went through 6 ounces of the stuff. I threw everything back in the washer and hoped for the best.

Forty-five minutes later I had prepared myself for the worst. At least I would have two weeks to find all new uniform pants for my kids to wear to school. But guess what.....almost all of the ink came out!!!!! There are still a few big thick spots left, but I will try Goo Gone again. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do if Goo Gone doesn't get the rest of the ink out??????? Also, I can't find an ink pen anywhere in the washer or dryer or in pants pockets. Where could it be?????

Five pairs of pants are saved....no ink at all left on them. HOORAY!!! Merry Christmas to me! THANK YOU GOO GONE!!!!!!

FYI: My family of six went through 56 pairs of socks in seven days. Emily and Lizzie win the prize with 13 and 12 pairs of socks each! If only they could clean their rooms as often as they change their socks..........

My Favorite

When I decorated for Christmas, I wanted to do a post about my favorite Christmas decoration, but I haven't taken the time to do it until now.

Two years ago we went to Glenn and Lance's for dinner and Temple Square. I mentioned to them that if they ever went to Guatemala again to please buy me a corn husk nativity. I told them if theirs ever disappeared to come look at my house. I loved it because it is so unique. I collect nativities. Glenn has given me several and I love the ethnic variety of them. The day after Christmas Glenn and Lance appeared on our doorstep with a package for us. I was so surprised when I opened it and it was the corn husk nativity. Lance said that to them it was just a nativity, but to me it was something special. I cried of course. Since them I am always so excited to get it out. This year I had to move it off the piano into the curio cabinet because the cat was also interested in it. This nativity reminds me not only of Christ's birth, but the thoughtfulness and generosity of some people. Thank you Glenn and Lance for this special decoration! Did you buy another one in Guatemala?

A few years ago I only used nativities to decorate our house for Christmas (besides the tree) in an effort to not have so much extra "stuff" out. I loved the feel of it and have continued every year since. I have two of the Fisher Price Little People nativities; one for me and one for my kids. Last year I bought an embroidered sign that says "Children Need a Stable Background." It has a Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus on it too. I love to have these reminders of the real reason for Christmas surrounding me. Too often I get stressed and not take time to reflect on our Savior's birth. Sometimes I will just sit and look at my nativities to ponder and relax.

I love this time of year. Not only for all the joy and visiting, but for the special meaning of the birth of our Savior!

Its Festival Time!

I LOVE FESTIVAL OF TREES!!!

Nothing gets me more in the Christmas spirit than Festival of Trees. This year I got the opportunity to help Tyler's class decorate four trees...for the four seasons. I think I mainly volunteered for helping in the class so that I could help on decorating day. I love decorating day. The whole South Towne Expo Center is filled with people decorating Christmas trees. Can you think of a happier setting? The generosity of so many people always amazes me. I love that every single penny raised from festival goes to Primary Childrens.

Yesterday Tyler's class was going on a field trip to see their trees. I checked the girls out of school and we all went. Of course they all complained of aching feet after awhile, but they kept plodding along. Somehow we planned it right and the gingerbread houses were at the opposite end of where we started.....this kept them walking. They are always amazed at the things people can do with candy.

Ainsley's preschool decorated a tree also. We had to go find it first thing and check back on it several times. One time when we were walking away she asked if we could just stand and look at her tree for a long time. I am excited that my kids get to participate through their schools in this wonderful event!

If you have a chance this week, go to Festival of Trees. It is open from 10-10 thru Saturday. I promise that you will love it too!!