Santa Came!!!!

This Christmas has been so much fun.  As I get older, Christmas has become special in different ways.  In a way I feel like I can see Christmas through a child's eyes again.  ...of course never forgetting the real meaning of Christmas.

  Tess ran into our room bright and early this morning telling us to wake up because Santa had come and left presents.  She could hardly wait to get us out of bed and into the other room so she could open her gifts....boy did that bring back memories for both Tim and I.  It is one of the sweetest little memories of Christmas morning we will have forever.

Merry Christmas babe, Tess, and our little angel on the way!  I love you all so very much!

Food, family, and tradition...Christmas Eve

Tim and I enjoy entertaining, which hasn't happened much as of lately.  Christmas Eve we changed that though.  We spent a wonderful evening with family and food.  Tim made his "famous" prime rib for dinner. 

Cousin Scott and little Fi...she is such a doll.

Family traditions are pretty special.  I think they become even more special as you get older and are able to pass them on to your children.  Christmas Eve we all sat down before bed and Tim read the Christmas story.  Tess got this fabulous "Little People" nativity a few years ago for Christmas.  While Tim read the story of Jesus' birth, Tess played with the little baby Jesus.

It wouldn't be much of a birthday celebration without cake.  One of the traditions I've had since I was a little girl.

...and then there's the whole present dilemma.  Do you open the gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.  We compromised...One gift Christmas Eve, and the rest Christmas morning.

Thank you Auntie Steph!

My baby sister stayed with us on Christmas Eve....Love you Steph!

A little pre-Christmas party with grandma

I remember getting my first Easy Bake oven as a little girl.  I can't tell you how many little cakes I baked.  It was the highlight of my Christmas years ago.  Grandma carried on the tradition with Tess this year getting her her first Easy Bake Oven.  This little girl has been turned into a mini baking machine.

Buttered popcorn, family, blankets, and the Polar Express...you can't get much better than that.

...and the finished product

One of my favorite parts about Christmas is our Christmas card table.

85 Years and counting

My grandpa turned 85 years old this last week.  Every year we meet for breakfast with family to celebrate his birthday, but this year many of his friends attended his party too. 

 Anyone and everyone who know our family know that we LOVE music and enjoy singing.  It wouldn't have been a true party "Cliff" style without a little music.  There were over 50 of us singing in the back of the restaurant.  I'm sure everyone else who was having breakfast was just thrilled with us.

It wouldn't have been a party without Boots and Edythe

Grandpa singing....gotta love him for trying

Aunt Ginny taking it all in

Happy Birthday Grandpa!  We love you!

Warning....graffic hunting pictures!!

While getting anything you're first season of bow hunting is almost unheard of, it's not unheard of for my man.  Tim got his first deer Wednesday night.  WAY TO GO BABE!  I was lucky enough to get to be a part of it.  Not the hunting part, although next year, we'll change that.  After Tim took a shot, he called me, and Tess and I headed out to meet him.  I was so excited I was running around the house like a mad women throwing on whatever cloths I could find for Tess and I and running out the door.  I should have thought about that a little more since I caught myself helping my husband gut a deer, while three months pregnant, and wearing a white coat. Totally worth it though!!!  We had a blast that night, and we can't wait to taste the meat.  Not to brag too much, but my hubby is a rock star of a hunter!!!   

A picture of Tim and his beautiful two point black tail buck.  It took just 30 minutes to stalk, and he took a shot at 20 yards.  Bow hunting is a lot different than rifle hunting, and we're both big fans.

We've got a little catching up to do!

So, due to my lack of energy lately, here's another group post.  Despite my being sick for the last few weeks, thanks to Zofran, Unisom, and b6, we've still managed to have fun....thank you Jesus for modern medicine!  I won't go into too much detail about what we've been up to, but here's a little of what we've done in pictures.

I love Thanksgiving.  I love the history of it, being with family, giving thanks for what we've been given (which isn't just reserved for Thanksgiving), and ALL THE FOOD.  Yah for good food. 

We spent Thanksgiving at my mom's this year.  Thank you mom for the yummy dinner.  

Now onto December....  Every holiday has something special about it.  While the decorations, family, food, and activities are so fun, Christmas is extra special to us because it's the holiday we celebrate Jesus and His birth.  Amongst the parties, Christmas concerts, decorating, baking, time with family and friends, and shopping, reading the Christmas story on Christmas even has become one of our favorite traditions. 

Decorating the gingerbread house and eating it too

A little time for pampering...kind of...I gave Tessa her first hair cut.  On that note, I gave Tim a hair cut for the first time too.  I will spare you the pictures... mainly because there aren't any.

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree....

Our little monkey watching a movie in one of the decoration boxes.