Christmas Ornaments

When Jeremy and I were engaged we decided to start a tradition. (which means I basically coaxed him into agreeing to it-he likes to tease me about how much I love traditions) We would get a "couple" ornament each year. We would take turns every other year. He took our first "engaged" Christmas. Although we actually have two from that year because I ended up buying one too, because I was so excited about the idea I didn't want to wait a whole year. We both laughed when we hung them up this year because they both had mistle toe on them. Each year we've had more fun with having our ornament really reflect the year or us as a couple. For example last year I got an ornament that said Mexico in honor of our anniversary trip. Well, this year Jeremy really went all out and ordered a personalized ornament for me. I LOVE it!! It is hand painted on a shell and represents our time at Blessing Ranch this fall.

When Faith was born we decided to start getting the girls an ornament each year as well. We have tried to choose things that reflect their year as well. Grace was very excited about "her" ornaments this year. Anyone who would come to our house she would gladly point out which ones belonged to her and which ones were Faith's. Previously we have always opened our ornaments with the rest of our presents on Christmas. However, this year we decided to make it one of our Advent Calendar activities. This was fun because we had time to really enjoy opening them and then enjoy them on the tree during the remaining days till Christmas.

This year Faith's ornament was a purse that said "The Bag Lady" on it. Faith really loves purses/bags and will load her arms up with them. When we leave the house if I don't let her take one of her own purses she will insist on carrying mine, even if it is so heavy she has to drag it.

Grace's ornament this year was a puppy that played music. Grace has decided she LOVES dogs this year. She adores my brother's dog Roxie. She even picked her out a Christmas present. She would really love if Roxie could come spend the night. Along with this love of dogs her new favorite show this year has been Clifford the Big Red Dog which inspired her being Emily Elizabeth for Halloween. So we thought an ornament involving a dog was perfect for this year. (On a funny side note it plays the song Bad to the Bone)

I think even Jeremy would agree this has become a really fun Christmas tradition!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Towards the end Grace was getting really cold, so she agreed to wear her dad's gloves.
They really wanted to make a snowman but there wasn't really enough snow so they settled for a "snow" castle instead.
Grace helping shovel, with a snow shovel that used to be her dad's (i think).
The girls have been anticipating snow for two reasons this year. 1- Like every child in America they think playing in the snow is great fun. 2-Grace knows that was one of the "clues" to when it would be time for our baby to arrive. As soon as it snowed she said, "Now its time for the baby." (I really wish it was!!) Jeremy took them outside for the first snowfall and they had a blast. We especially laughed at Faith in her "outfit." She is quite a bit smaller than Grace was so she is wearing 3T snow pants and size 8 boots (even though she wears a size 6). Faith was ready to come in right before their time was up. She kept saying cold over and over again and her little nose looked like Rudolph. Grace however would have stayed out all day if we hadn't lured her in with hot chocolate. As soon as she had finished her hot chocolate she informed us she was ready to go back outside. Grace made a snow angel but they didn't get to make a snowman or sled so I am hoping for another fun snow day in the future.

Coach Papa

This year my dad is helping coach basketball at my old highschool. So before Christmas we went to see him coach. The girls were very excited about it. They borrowed some blue and gold attire and cheered for Papa. They didn't quite understand why they couldn't go talk to him while he was on the bench. After the game they went to say a quick Hi before he went into the locker room. Faith cried hysterically, "Papa Papa!" until he came back out to hold her. She can be quite the Papa's girl. You can't see it in the picture but she is holding a leftover role of tape Papa gave her. Grace was excited about the ball she caught that the cheerleaders threw. (She really likes the cheerleaders much to her dad's disappointment) The girls were slightly confused about cheering for the blue and gold team, as the opponent was wearing red uniforms. Grace insisted, "No mama, our team is the red one." (I guess she HAS been paying attention at all the Pirate sports events she has been to)