New Years Eve

 We never go out on New Years Eve, in 34 years we have never wanted to be out on the roads with drunks. So, we try to have a party at home. This year was pretty fun! Taylor FaceTimed with her cousin in Oregon, Loren went to bed (per usual) and got up right in time for the ball to drop. Even the dog got into it this year.

A makeover

 Taylor wanted to give me a makeover, and although it didn't sound like something I'd like, I allowed her to do it. So, she had a great time. It was fun, and as long as Taylor was happy, I was too!

Final results. I could not wait to take a shower and start over. LOL

Christmas Eve and Christmas day!

 We always have our big dinner on Christmas Eve, because I don't want to cook on Christmas, I want to relax and enjoy the day too! Every year I make Chicken Cordon Bleu, it is a recipe that is delicious!

 Of course the kids opened new pajama's on Christmas Eve! 

 Christmas morning, bright and early! Our rule is nobody wakes us up until 7, but this year we got up at 6:15, because both Loren and I were wide awake. The kids were too. 

 There is nothing Taylor wanted more than an American Girl doll for Christmas, so the last present she opened was this…She was so happy. 

 Aubrey loves to take selfless

 Taylor got a Karaoke machine for Christmas, and everyone enjoyed it. 

 I love how completely this house was a disaster…and for one day, I didn't care! 

 Jon and Renae surprised us with this beautiful picture of their family. It is mounted on a frame. I love it!! 

This is one of my favorite gifts I got from Renae's mom Dora, she is the sweetest lady. So fun!!! 

Service and Baking

 A friend posted in a group I belong to that there was a family in need of Christmas. So, the kids and I went through our home and found all sorts of things that we could donate to this family. Many of my friends donated as well, and the results were the whole back of this care was filled for the family with groceries, gifts, and winter clothing. It was a great testimony of how serving others is so important.

 Of course Christmas means baking cookies. Because I didn't feel like we needed to gorge ourselves on cookies this year, we waited until almost the last minute to bake cookies, I wanted some for Christmas day and I didn't want to have to bake more. Our family favorite is a cookie called Christmas balls, we roll them in red and green sugar crystals. This year Connor was in charge of these cookies, so he dipped them in both colors. He's always thinking outside the box! 

 Taylor made fudge and she was in heaven. 

 Aubrey made sugar cookies. I had forgotten that I had given Taylor my rolling pin to play with her play dough, so I didn't know what Aubrey was going to use. she got inventive and found something!! She's smart like that! 

Aubrey has become a great baker...

Christmas Inspiration

I saw this amazing picture during the Christmas season and what it said touched my heart so much!

1. Mend a Friendship---- I mended two

2. Find the time to keep a promise---took my daughter out to some place she's wanted to go a long time.
3. give anonymously-- every month

4. Turn off the TV and talk--I enforced this, it was amazing how much everyone had to say!

5. Pray for someone who's lost a loved one--A close friend lost her mother and daughter, keep her in my prayers everyday!

6. Speak softly even if I feel strongly--Probably the hardest one for me to do…

The Christmas season is more than just giving physical presents, it is giving of ones self. This small picture inspired me to be a better person and work harder at things that I needed to work at.  Life is so full of blessings, its about stoping and trying to notice what we've been blessed with.

A Night on the Town!!

 Just a fun night on the town…kind of funny because really it was only a couple of hours, and one place. Its nice to get out of the house and have a date once in awhile though! 

Loren and I rarely go out to dinner; however, every Christmas we take his secretary and her husband out. We always go to the same restaurant for steak. We love this couple so much, they are truly great people. Before we went out we took a few pictures. Aubrey had to make sure she got into the action too!