Visiting with Santa

We had a ward Christmas party tonight (can you say free meal? though not as good as past years), and of course after all the spiritual stuff (which was good for my soul at least) Santa came to visit. I like that they do this because then I can get picts with Santa without having to take my kids to the dreaded mall.

First, baby dd did fabulous! Most other kids around her age were crying, throwing fits, or just not willing to even get close. I think it helped that she was a little bit tired. Youngest ds...well I'm not so sure he believes anymore, which is kind of sad, but he was more than willing to hop on, tell Santa he wanted a laptop and receive his candy bag (which turned out to be only peanuts-they ran out of the good stuff).

I wasn't too shocked to discover my teens wanted in on the action. Middle ds played the part and asked for something (I can't remember), but older dd (back row on right) and her friends just wanted the photo op. I believe there is a part of them that just isn't willing to totally give up on Santa yet, and I'm good with that.

Then came the funny hubbys. This is my hubby on the right and his best bud on the left.

When these two get together, there is usually some kind of silly nonsense going down.

They both acted like little boys...telling Santa everything they wanted for Christmas.

Too bad they asked for such big boy toys, I know Santa can't afford those! LOL

We, the wives can't help it, we love these goofballs.

Christmas Tree Hunting

Ok, we went last weekend, but I forgot to get the photos up. Here is a sampling of our trip into the wilds of the Idaho City area of Idaho. We went with some good friends and were very grateful it wasn't icky weather.

Baby girl and I hung out in the truck.

Both of our trees loaded.

Our tree ... at home ... at last.

I wasn't sure how to get the best picture of it lit (I used my fireworks setting), if any of you have any better suggestions, please leave me a comment - THANK YOU!

Husband disgruntled because wife found new hobby to spend money on!

After a lesson with a good friend yesterday, and her generosity of letting me use her stuff...I made this bracelet for my youngest dd last night. I had to sneak in her room to measure her wrist, thankfully she didn't wake up, and then I got to work looking at possible combinations. So many possibilities! I like the final product with it's lavender and silver hues. I tried it on her today and it fit nicely...best of all she seemed to love it. She kept staring at it and gently touching it...it was so cute to watch.

Yes I wouldn't normally get an 11 month old jewelry, but she isn't receiving it until her first birthday and even if she doesn't wear it much, it will be a nice reminder of how little she was when she is older. Alright, alright! I'll admit it...it was more for me than her....I still love it.

I was going to make one for my older dd but nothing quite spoke to me. She is getting harder and harder to make things for (getting too picky). I gave up on her and now that I know what I'm doing, I'm thinking of making myself some matching earrings and a necklace. Thanks Dub for all your generous help...now I'm hooked on making jewelry! My hubby rolled his eyes at the thought of me getting a new hobby, he thinks I have too many already.

"Recycled" Gift

I was getting ready to recycle these containers, but when the label was off, all I saw was snowmen. I used black buttons for the eyes and since I didn't have any carrot noses on hand (and no money to go buy any) I searched and searched and found these tiny leaves that work just fine. I love how they came together and I'm sure my son's teacher, bus driver, and bus monitor will enjoy them...and the treats inside!