Can we open "just one" present....

We always opened atleast one present before Christmas. It was like a ritual. Jarred and I would start a couple of days out...asking and asking. Then Mom would give in. I LOVED it. I loved getting to open a present. It was like getting a sneak peak or something ... and it was so intimate...just one gift...and then we all sat around and actually enjoyed one another's company.

Isn't that what it's about? :)

So .... now with our kids...ummm...I kinda instigate the whole affair!

Before Rhyan and Reghan left for their Christmas in Houston, we opened "just one" present.

We had so much fun! Everyone got digital cameras...the older kids and David, and Abby & Hayden got "mp3" players. They thought they were sooooo big!

Happy Early Christmas.

'Twas a few days before Christmas...

I asked Rhyan if he wanted to run errands with me the other day... he cocked his head...looked at me with a smirk and said, "Maybe ... what are you driving?"
And I thought he'd like to spend a few quality hours with me ... b/c of me! hahahaha
I'm so thankful my level of popularity is based on the VAN!! :)
We had so much fun running errands. We bought some Christmas lights and hot pink duct tape and other trinkets...came home and Rigged the Ride! wooo hooo.
David was embarrassed. He would hardley even ride in the van. I wish I had a picture of it lit up with Christmas lights at night... oh well. I won't tell you what he called it. Have you seen any Cheech & Chong movies lately?


Abby & Hayden are "growing" out of thier sippee cups...but they still spill ...everywhere. These are their fav-0-rite cups.

P.S. Reghan loves the van, too.

Little Abby Kay with a frown? No way!
We love Krispy Kreme.
Reghan bought this for me...so we hooked it up on the dash. Isn't it lovely?!

IABC Christmas Program

How fun!
Abby & Hayden sang in the IABC Christmas Program on December 12, 2006.
All of the kids were so cute...and some weren't afraid of anything!
We were so proud of them. I wish I could include video!

This is Hayden's friend Chloe Keenum. Chloe may be "serious" on stage, but she's "so much fun" according to Hayden!

This is Hayden's teacher Mrs. Stephanie's son. This is the third time his teacher had to "pull" him off the mike! Watch out American Idol!

Hayden's friend Andrew.

Hayden Ray singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. He kept his hands in his pocket like this the whole time!

Abby Kay singing "Baby Jesus". Abby had her hot pink-haired doll. It stood out nicely next to all the "normal" dolls! haha.
Abby getting into "Jingle Bells"
Mrs. Stephanie's daughter ... it was really bright on stage.

Hayden & his pocketed hand.

I don't know if they were helping each other or fighting over a jingle bell. :)
The little star.

Honey Cookies....Heaven....Have you had one lately?
Making honey cookies is a fine German process that we tackle every year between Thanksgiving & Christmas. It's an art. You can't take them home the day you make. They take a few weeks to get "ready". It's well worth the wait. Trust me. If you want to try some...call Aunt Lendi or Aunt Melinda. We're not sharing at our house! haha
Hit by the Honey Cookie Flower Fairy
Future Farmer?

A peek from the Flour Sack

What an Angel

We've been ReALLY busy at our house...yeah along with everyone else this time of year! David is on his way home from Juarez Mexico. He rode with a group from Aldersgate to deliver a load of supplies and Christmas presents. Abby & Hayden are asleep in OUR bed ... good grief the words I continue to eat, and Reghan and I studied for Math until 11 p.m. I better go to bed. I'm supposed to ... no, I'm GONNA go work out at 5 a.m. That would be in 4 1/2 hours.

Abby & Hayden have their IABC Christmas program tomorrow. Abby gets to hold baby Jesus (imagine that...) and sing a "Baby Jesus" song. Will post photos .... I promise.