Santa Deliver's

 First, of course, is the stockings! Pure, unfiltered JOY.

 And then, it was on to the goods! Buzz Lightyear (and Woody) from Santa! 

Sydnie got Jessie and Bullseye (which can be seen in pic #9 and #11)

Pinkalicious doll for Sydnie from Cordel...

And Bakugan's for Cordel from Sydnie.

A "newborn" baby for Sydnie from GnG Howell...

(Cordel got a gift card to Gamestop from them. Nice!)

 rip!! tear!! WHAT IS IT??

 Painting supplies for Cordel...

and a pink mini-van for Sydnie! (Both of those gifts specifically requested...)

Oh my GOSH!! Mario VS Bowser Mini-land Mayhem?? Just what I wanted!!

 A Leapster?? No way!! Woohoo!

It was a good Christmas.

 Note: Picture # 4? Ya, that's Shane lounging on the couch. Hmm, maybe I should give him something to do... I know! I will have him take pictures!

Note: Picture's #9 and #13? Ya, that's me with my head cut off. This is exactly why you RARELY see me in pictures. I am the one behind the camera and for good reason, obviously! Perhaps it was my STOMACH FLU induced brain fry that I passed off the camera. Who knows? Hmm, maybe next year I should get Shane photography lessons for Christmas.

BELIEVE

Finally, after much preparation, anticipation, and faith, the big night is here! Let the magic begin!

We started off the night with our traditional Chinese Dinner at The Mandarin House.

 

 Duece, Teagan, Kleis, Sean, Debra, and Leonard.

 Grandma Udene, Cordel, and Storm

 Shane, McKenzie, and Sydnie.

Then, the Howells (Me, Shane, Cordel, and Sydnie) began a new tradition this year by attending the Christmas service with my Dad and Stepmom Kaye. As you perhaps learned from this previous post, Shane and I felt that we needed to do a better job in teaching our children about what Christmas is truly about and thought this was a good way to start. It was such a wonderful experience for us.

When we got home, it was time to open a few presents...

 One present each from mommy and daddy...

 

 and presents from Grandpa Monte and Grandma Kaye

Then, we set out cookies and milk for santa, and carrots for the reindeer...

and said good bye to our "Elf on the Shelf", Bernard...

Good Night, sweet ones!

 

The magic is set...

Will Santa deliver?

With gum drop buttons and everything!

We made gingerbread men this year on our annual cookie making day during the holidays! The dough was a little tricky, but we managed and not only did they bake up well, they were DELISH! Soft, chewy, moist... YUM!

Look at those sweet faces... Couldn't you just eat them up, too?

Grandma Kleis decorates the gingerbread man Cordel saved for her... ya know, the one with the broken leg? Cuz Grandma fell down the stairs? It only seems fitting... 

 

Isabel, Aunt Teagan, and Cordel get their creativity on!

Syndie is Mama's BFF all the way!

  

The end result? One huge mess, super cute Gingerbread Men and lots of sweet smiles!

SnOw CUTE!!

 Oh My Gosh!!

It's SNOWING!!

 Can we go out and play? Please?

Pleeeeeeeeese?

 

  Pretty Please?

 Of course, the boy immediately makes snowballs...

 and prepares for battle.

 And the girls? Well, one girl eats snow...

 and smiles for the camera.

and the other girl cries a little cuz the snow flakes are stickin to her eyelashes (ya, I know she shouldn't be complaining about her BEAUTIFUL, long, lushes eyelashes... but she's 3, okay?)

 But she soon gets over it and decides to be happy!

 Best snow buddies! 

 My lil' Snow Angel!

 Snow Much Fun!!

BRAIN FREEZE!!

January's Scrappin' Club Page

This is the page for our January Scrapbooking Club. The theme is Christmas and mine is titled "Santa Delivers".  Colors are Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla. We are using some patterned paper and "paper piecing" some accents.  Hope you like it!! (sorry about the glare!!)