Things to Do During the Christmas Break . . .

Our kids had fun playing different instruments.

We set up Faith's new princess bed that Santa brought her.

No more crib for Faith, she has a big girl bed and fun new room.

Faith is all dressed up to go play in the snow. We sure had a lot of snow over the break.

Taylor and Faith going for a walk. Be safe you two.

Christmas Day . . .

I told Steven that he has to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Santa came and the kids were so excited.

All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

McKay got this cool monster radio controlled truck from Grandpa Butala

Faith loved her new dalmation puppy.

New Christmas Eve Pajamas and Excited for Santa . . .

We always give the kids new pajamas on Christmas Eve. we even got Faith to hold still for a picture. What a fun evening with our family.

Here are the girls together.

McKay was so excited for Christmas.

McKay sure loved wearing the Santa hat.

He always likes to put out cookies and milk for Santa.

Christmas Eve Dinner with Dad and Mom . . .

My parents came over for dinner on Christmas Eve. We had a nice ham dinner and a great evening reading the nativity from the scriptures.

All Dressed up for Church . . .

We had a lovely Christmas program the week before Christmas. The kids were really good in church and excited to get dressed up. Only Faith and Jessika got new clothes for church.

Decorating Gingerbread Houses . . .

Taylor made this gingerbread house.

How cute with Faith looking in.

This is Jessika's gingerbread house.

Winter Wonderland . . .

Every year for Christmas, Steven decorates our living room in a magical winter wonderland. He puts it up the day after Thanksgiving and leaves it up until after New Year. He used the LED icicle lights this year, so gorgeous.

Our new spiral trees.

Everything looks so pretty sweetheart, good job.

Our kids are so excited for Christmas.

Yearly Christmas Party with Friends . . .

Every year Terri, Norma, Alisa and I get together at Christmas time to go out to dinner, exchange gifts and enjoy each others company. This year we went to the Macaroni Grill in the Riverwoods Shopping area and enjoyed the festive Christmas lights. We had a wonderful evening.

We had a fun evening and enjoyed reminiscing about our fond memories together.

Our Ward Christmas Party . . .

We had a wonderful ward Christmas party. Steven and Faith were sick so they both stayed home and I took Taylor, Jessika and McKay with me. We also sat with Mom and Dad and Jeff, Natalie, Brynlie and Hallie.

Jeff, Natalie, Brynlie and Hallie are such a sweet little family.

Sweet little Hallie.

Natalie and Brynlie.

My cute Mom and Hallie.

Hallie and her wonderful great grandparents.

McKay was in a couple of musical numbers.

They had a wonderful slide show with a lot of beautiful music.

Jessika was excited to sit on Santa's lap.

Here is McKay and Jessika on Santa's lap.

Happy Thanksgiving . . .

We had a small Thanksgiving dinner this year, however, it was a wonderful day with my parents, husband and children. My family is so blessed and we are thankful for so many things in our lives. I am grateful for a loving husband who works really hard supporting the family, goes to work every day, even when he has only had a couple hours of sleep and honors his priesthood. He is a joy in my life and I love him very much. I am grateful for our 4 children who bring an added sparkle to our lives. I am also grateful to my wonderful parents. They taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ and emulate His life. It is such a priviledge to live so close and have them in our lives.

McKay's Thanksgiving Feast at School . . .

I was in charge of coordinating a Thanksgiving feast for McKay's Kindergarten class. I was really excited with the choice of napkins, plates, cups and silverware that I purchased, it really matched everything nicely. I assigned several mothers to bring food and then we served the food to the children and teachers. It was a really nice party.

The girls made pilgrim hats for the feast. Two of the girls on the left are in our ward, Maddie and Tanna.

The boys made pilgrim hats or Indian hats. The boy on the left is one of McKay's really good friends, Adam, and they play together twice a week.

Here are the children and teachers enjoying the feast together. Some of us mothers served the food.

Hi McKay, are you having a fun day today?