MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

A new Christmas Tradition...

I read about this on a blog last year and HAD to start this tradition in our family. Let me tell you, it has been a BIG hit with the kids. The elf, our kids named him Buddy, sits on a shelf or anywhere in the room during the day. At night, he returns back to the North Pole to report on the kids behavior to Santa Claus and returns the next morning in a whole new spot.
The first morning the kids were so excited that Buddy was no longer on the mantle but sitting under a small tree on our shelf. Jackson told me it was just a little freaky because it looks like the elf is really watching you no matter where you are in the room :).
The boys have been waking up early just to run out and see where Buddy has moved to. So far, the hardest spot to find him was in the tree. I love being able to say, " The Elf is watching you.....". I have seen a definite improvement in behavior this past week.
Thanks to Buddy the Elf.

No Black Friday Deal On This One.....

I convinced Jay to go out for a little shopping on Black Friday with me. We didn't go out early, like I usually do, but left around 8:30 am. We went to our local toy store, Sam's Club, and Target and..... oh yeah, to the Toyota Dealership!
Here is our new car...... or I guess I should say - Jay's new car :).

Thanksgiving x 2!

Our first Thanksgiving dinner was on Wednesday night with the Hall family. This has been our tradition for a few years, it pretty much ensures that all six kids and their families will be there. It also allows us to go to in-laws or spend time at home on Thanksgiving. I love being in my parents home on Thanksgiving... watching my Dad make his delicious homemade rolls, helping my Mom make her wonderful stuffing and set the table. They put so much thought and effort into every detail of the meal and setting for all of us to enjoy. My parents love to decorate their home, especially for Fall and Christmas.

Some of my beautiful family.......



The other half of my family, minus Jay and I....

My parents set a beautiful table.......

Thursday was spent preparing food to take to Mom Mann's for Thanksgiving with the Mann Clan. Jay cooked 15 pounds of mashed potatoes and made a really good Rachael Ray green bean side dish. We had a great time with the family, many of Jay's aunties and uncles were there that we hadn't seen in a while, so it was nice to visit. There were not a lot of kids so it made for a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. Louis and Melissa brought their dog, Bert so he was definitely the hit of the party. My kids love that dog!