Christmas 2025

 Merry Christmas

This Christmas we did things a little different and we stayed at home just of the 9 of us.  We still had breakfast with Grammy but instead of joining the rest of the family in the afternoon we stayed and made dinner at home.  Honestly, we had really mixed feelings and I don't know what we'll do in the future.  We missed seeing everyone AND it was really nice to set up all the things and then just watch the kids play and not have to race out the door.  

Warmies were the one of the favorite gifts this year.

The kids get pretty excited about giving one another gifts which I love.  Makes for a lot of gifts but pretty fun.  Sadie picked out funny t-shirts for all the boys.

Dress up shoes

Make-up is always a hit

Big boxes still make the best toys.

A cork board for their room.

A pooping panda.  I definitely didn't realize what this was.  I guess it's a sign I have too many kids. Haha!

A new bed frame.

A COMBAT baseball bat.

I know it means your old when you're excited about a vacuum but I don't care.

Lunch

The big gift this year was a trampoline.  They've been asking for one for what feels like forever.  The surprise got a little spoiled because Amazon delivered it early but thankfully the boys were Johnny on the spot and got it hidden away before the little ones saw it.

Chicken Pomodori with all the new stuffies.

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a good night!

Christmas 2025: Magic or Nonsense

 Christmas 2025

I want to always remember the magic of Christmas with littles in the house.  There's so much anticipation and excitement and festivity.  I love the concerts and the music playing in the kitchen and the candles and the decorations and all the traditions.  I even love wrapping all the gifts, though that's quite an endeavor in this season, but as I scrolled through the photos this year I couldn't help but also remember all the nonsense.  So I'll share that as well.

Christmas Programs

MAGIC

Aubrey, Sadie, and Maddie

Arwen, Greta, Tess, Aubrey, Sadie, and Madie

Evie

High School Christmas Party

NONSENSE

These kinds of things happen pretty regularly and make me crazy.  My ever generous son, who shall go unnamed, volunteers me for something like say bringing pizza for his entire flight team a few days before Christmas break without mentioning it to me.  Of course I'm free to run to Costco. Should be no problem.

Oh wait I guess he's no longer unnamed :)

Appointments in December

NONSENSE

These are the kinds of things I literally write down these days because I will immediately forget and some of my children will to.  SOoooo....  I honestly couldn't tell you what this means right now but this was a reminder of how the rubber bands on one of their braces were suppose to be hooked.

Hair appointments?  Why?

"Mom, don't forget to write down what conditioner she uses."

Cute Girls

Date Night

NECESSARY

Christmas Sing Along

MAGIC

I've said this before but this is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.  Its sweet little calm before the last day of school and all the parties.  Singing together and hearing a story read by Mr. K.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

NONSENSE

I mean I'm happy to do it but these last minute things because I forgot until the last day before break will make me a little crazy.  Especially when I'm uncertain of what I'm shopping for and having to text photos to verify. 

Kindergarten Christmas Party

MAGIC

Aubrey

Maddie

Washing the Dogs

NONSENSE

And necessary I guess.  They do stink and its muddy out there.

Walking the Refuge

MAGIC

When you get a beautiful day with a little sun on Christmas break you gotta enjoy it.

Class Projects

NONSENSE

These boys of mine are CRAZY I tell you, CRAZY!  

Christmas Legos and Decorations

MAGIC

I bought these little Lego sets on Temu a few years ago as stocking stuffers.  The kids opened them at the beach house and I had no idea how tiny the pieces were and how hard it would be to put them together.  I thought for sure they were going in the trash but they stuck with it and the older ones loved the challenge and its become a fun tradition.