Another January Craft

A good idea I got from Mops last year that we are doing again this January is to make placemats out of all the Christmas card pictures we received this year. I saved them after Christmas, cut out the pictures of our friends and family, and Graham helped me glue them on big cardstock paper. We will take them to be laminated and use them all year. So, if you sent me a Christmas card with a picture of your family on it, it will probably be on our kitchen table throughout the year. We will look at the pictures, talk about our friends and family, and pray for them. So, don't throw away those cards.

Beating the Winter Blues

January is not my favorite month...cloudy skies, cold weather, sick children and mommies, and a lot of time indoors. So, at our house, we've been coming up with some fun winter activities. Here are a few of them: Popcorn balls and hot chocolate by the fire

This was Tim's idea and it turned out to be a lot of fun.

Crayon melts in fun shapes

Patsy got me some silicon snowmen muffin cups for Christmas. I saw on a friend's blog that she had used her silicon muffin cups to make crayon melts. We just took broken crayons, removed the paper, and placed them in the muffins cups. Then, we put the muffin cups in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Snowballs

This recipe was in a newsletter from Graham's preschool. Basically, you make rice crispy treats, roll them into balls, and coat them with powdered sugar. Graham had a lot of fun helping me make these treats. Then, he wanted to take them to friends in the neighborhood.

Snowmen on sticks

We used bananas, mini chocolate chips, apple triangles, and pretzels to make these fun snacks.
I put them on skewers.

Highlights from our trip to Tyler

Despite the fact that Graham and Wesley had colds, my brother had strep throat, and Tim had a bad ear infection, we had a great time visiting our family in Tyler. The boys had lots of fun with their cousins and grandparents. We went to the zoo, a wildlife museum and park, and, of course, one of my favorite mexican restaurants. Graham, Drew and Will in the back of Grandpa Sam's truck

my mom and brother

yummy Mexican food

yummy ice cream

Highlights from Our trip to Memphis

After spending Christmas morning at our home, we traveled to Memphis to see Tim's mom, sister and her family. Wesley and Graham had a great time with their cousins, Davis and Hayley. One night we went to see Zoo Lights, and despite the frigid temperatures, everyone enjoyed it. Zoo Lights

Fake snow from a snow machine welcomed us at the zoo's entrance.

Davis and Graham ready for church

singing Happy Birthday to Jesus

Christmas Eve

The Night Before ChristmasWe love Christmas pjs. The boys have been wearing them all of December.

You may be wondering what's up with the spoons. Tim and the boys wanted me to open a gift early. My sweet husband got me some spoons to use in the kitchen.

Earlier today, my brother came over with his son, Drew, to eat lunch and exchange gifts. His whole family was going to come, but Will is sick. Kimberly stayed home with him so he could rest. It just wasn't the same without Will.

Wesley and Drew

This will be our first Christmas with the boys to wake up in our home on Christmas morning. Graham is to the age now where he's really excited and can understand what Christmas is all about. It's been fun this year starting our own traditions and celebrating Jesus' birth with our children. We are also looking forward to traveling to visit Tim's mom and sister and family in Texas.

We wish all of you a merry Christmas!

A family picture

At the Christmas tree farm a few weeks ago

Our Saturday Morning

After our favorite Saturday morning tradition of breakfast at Meridee's, we stopped at the Factory to walk around and look at the decorations. The boys had lots of fun running around the empty halls and exploring the decor.

The Seasons First Snow

Last week brought a visit from Grandpa and some snow.Wesley and Grandpa

Graham

Graham with his great grandpa and a Curious George book. Thus, the smile on his face.

Gingerbread House

Tim and Graham constructed a simple gingerbread house tonight after dinner. Wesley and I watched and ate graham crackers. We all enjoyed eating the finished prodct after they were done.

TN Christmas Trees

We spent Sunday afternoon at a Christmas tree farm with our friends in search of the perfect tree. Well, actually we just wanted to go on the hayride and drink hot chocolate. The trees that grow in our area aren't the best for hanging ornaments on so we decided to buy a precut tree that the farm provided. I think the kids thought it was a fun experience even though the daddies didn't get to use the saw.

Grandmas are the best!

Nana, Grandpa Sam, and Perpy came to visit us for Thanksgiving. The boys were so excited to have them here and very sad to see them leave. They helped make our Thanksgiving extra special.

Wesley and Graham with their cousins, Drew and Will, and Nana

A Little Christmas Before Thanksgiving

Last Sunday, we decided to beat the crowd before Thanksgiving and visit the Opryland Hotel. It was decked out for Christmas, and the boys loved seeing all of the lights and decor. The fountains were their favorite part.

Autumn Leaves

Graham and I enjoyed a little afternoon sun and fall foliage before nap time today. I love autumn. Today I was reminded of Jesus and His unchanging character. Everything around us changes-the leaves fall, children grow up, friends move away, but Christ remains the same. Forever! How amazing and comforting that is!

A Fall Day at the Park

The boys and I met my friend, Morgan, and her son at a terrific park this week. It was so beautiful, and we all had a great time being outside and enjoying the leaves.