Merry Christmas!

From our family.....Merry Christmas!  We are enjoying our time with family and are going to make the best of the next week that we all have together! 

Gingerbread House competition

Andrew's school had a gingerbread house competition.  We did not participate but went to support those that did.  There was some really good ones there.  Thought you might like to see some of the good ones (and winners).  This post really has nothing to do with us but thought you might enjoy seeing what these kids and mostly parents came up with.  The challenge was to make a house (all edible) based on a movie.

 Above: winner of best use of theme....Wizard of Oz

 Charlotte's Web (above)

 Kung Fu Panda (above)

 Above: winner of 2 categories, one was most creative, not sure of the other category

from the movie "Up" and winner of most creative (I think)

Pretzel Turtles

The kids helped me unwrap almost 3 bags of rolos to use for pretzel turtles, which by the way are one of the easiest (and tastiest) Christmas treats!  Just place a rolo on top of a mini pretzel and stick in the oven for about 4 minutes (or until shiny and soft) and then smash the rolo with a pecan (or m&m's, other nuts, whatever you want) and then drizzle white chocolate over the top.  So yummy and fun for the kids to help make! 

Warning, it's hard to eat just one and make a bunch because they will be gone in no time!

Update on us

Sorry it's been so long since I posted anything on here.  A lot has happened since the last post but I've been sick and trying to keep up with life so this was put on hold (again).  Finally went to the doctor today since I will be getting on a plane on Friday and while I do have a sinus infection she wasn't too concerned about an antibiotic until she looked at my throat.  Apparently it's bad.  I don't have tonsils so I don't get strep throat (and haven't since 3rd grade) but it is infected and has been very sore for about a week.  Hopefully I will feel better soon now that I have some medicine.

The kids are getting very excited about our trip to visit grandparents for Christmas this year.  I haven't packed anything yet, but I'm hoping to wake up tomorrow with more energy and motivation!

Andrew's teacher gave me this frame with the picture (she took it at the Christmas program) and gave it to me for helping in the classroom.  I love the picture.  Everyone is smiling AND looking at the camera!!!  I have a bunch of pictures but maybe I can find time to put some on here in the next week.  I'm going to get comfy and try to get better! 

Decorating

 letters to Santa (before they wrote them)

 helping daddy put the tree up...yes we have a fake tree but I can leave it up as long as I want!

 decorating the tree

This year I let the kids decorate the tree 100%.  I didn't move any of their ornaments.  The are so proud of their Christmas tree.

 the gingerbread village they made with daddy

We did all of this the weekend after Thanksgiving but as you all know, I've been lacking in my updates. 

Late Thanksgiving Post

Here are a couple pictures from Thanksgiving.  I made these shirts for the kids the night before.  I'm hoping to get the Christmas shirts done a little earlier so they at least wear them a few times before Christmas.