It really was a wonderful month with a few very special highlights. So, let's get started!
Our countdown chain began on December 1st and on each link I wrote down one fun thing that we would do that day. Ashlyn and Trent loved this. The first thing they wanted to do each day was take off a link to see what we would be doing. Most things were very simple and didn't cost any money, but having something too look forward to each day added to the excitement of Christmas.
1st - Start candy countdown and scripture story countdown
2nd - Decorate the Christmas tree and sleep under the tree
3rd - Ward Party
4th - First Presidency Christmas Devotional
5th - Make Christmas cookies and take them to Daddy's work
6th - Make edible Christmas trees
7th - Write letters to Santa
8th - Wagon ride and lights at Thanksgiving Point
9th - Start Christmas books by the fire
10th - Go to the movies
11th - Play board games
12th - Deliver neighbor gifts
13th - Homemade marshmallows and hot cocoa
14th - Make an ornament for the Christmas tree
15th - Go see the elves at Gardner Village
16th - Christmas movie night at home
17th - Go shopping
18th - Gifts to the Savior
19th - Grandkid party
20th - Drive around and look at Christmas lights
21st - Snowman craft
22nd - Donuts and hot cocoa
23rd - Make reindeer food
24th - Bake cookies for Santa
25th - Open presents!
On top of all that, there were the projects, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, young women activities, meetings, wrapping presents, doctor appointments, Brian's company party, our annual adults-only party, Ashlyn's dance rehearsal and recital, planning and carrying out Ashlyn's classroom party, and a few trips to the temple (four, actually). Whew!
With all that happened, I actually didn't pull my camera out very much. I seem to be slacking in that area a lot lately. But, when I did actually get my camera out, I took a lot of pictures. Here is what got documented:
Edible Christmas Trees
Ashlyn's Dance Recital
Adult's Only Christmas Party
The Grandkid Party
The chaos returned two nights later with the annual Grandkid party. This night is especially for the kids and they love it. Grandmom and Grandpa always provide the kids with new Christmas pjs and make it a pajama party. I think this is actually my favorite part since it means I never have to worry about buying my kids new pajamas for Christmas. Thanks Mom!Madison impressed us by reading a book.
I was not able to take any pictures of a few of the most remarkable and noteworthy events of this Christmas season. One week before Christmas, Marty was ordained an Elder by my Dad. Then on Wednesday, we went to the temple with Marty as he went through for the first time. Finally, on Friday, the 23rd, the Eyre family was sealed in the Jordan River temple. Those three events added an amazing spirit to the holidays this year and I feel blessed to have witnessed each of them.
Christmas Eve
Christmas!!
I was really quite happy about Christmas falling on a Sunday this year. It just seems so appropriate to go to church on Christmas morning. Getting ready for church and attending sacrament meeting did add to the already very busy and chaotic day, but it was nice to take an hour out of the day to really celebrate the birth of Christ. Since our ward met at 9:00, we simply let the kids open their stockings and take a look at the presents under the tree. Then we ate our traditional breakfast casserole and monkey bread and got ready for church. Once we got back home, the madness began. First at our own home, then with the Smiley clan, and finally with the Lifferths. We literally opened presents all. day. long.
The pocket in front is perfect for holding a pack of gum. Hilarious. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I don't think anyone had. Brian even discovered a second purpose - a baby sling!
Every year I have a favorite gift. Not a gift that I receive, but one that I give. This year Mindy and I gave my parents a gift that will be hard to top. I may not ever be as excited to give another gift. And we couldn't have done it without the huge help we received from my cousin Jen, Aunt Paula, and Aunt Carole. It is nice to be related to such talented people! Back in October when we found out about my Dad's cancer, I decided that I wanted to give my parents a special gift for Christmas, something that was centered around family, specifically our family. I wanted it to be something that would show them just how much they are loved. After talking to Brian and Mindy, we came up with the idea of making a quilt featuring the initials of everyone in our family. The initials part was actually Brian's idea. Brilliant. With the aid of Paula embroidery machine and Carole's quilting machine, the final product was beautiful:It really was a wonderful holiday season. So many fun events and memorable occasions made it a Christmas to remember.
8 comments:
Wow! What a beautiful Christmas. I love your countdown chain idea with a fun activity every day! I'm totally copying you next year. And that quilt is beautiful! I love the pantie purses! And the kids talent show, you are right, what talent!!! Happy New Year Smiley family!
I'm impressed! That's quite a summary of a very fun holiday season. I'd gladly repeat the month of December. It was the best December ever. I loved your pictures of the grandchildren's talents. They did an awesome job. Love you and thank you for the blog.
The quilt was one of the most amazing gifts we have ever received. It's absolutely beautiful! We're so grateful to have such thoughtful daughters and two very talented sister-in-laws. We love it and we love you!
Mom and Dad
James! Wow! I'll say it again..I wish I were a part of the Lifferth fam! What a wonderful family you have! You are so incredible, the quilt turned out amazing (of course) So happy for the M.E.'s what a special time for your family. Hugs to you. Now you can relax and concentrate on growing a baby ;) ha!
Thanks for a fun recap. I will be up blogging again, sometime soon! You're right, such a great way to keep a journal. I knew Marty was going to church, but wow tears just filled my eyes when I read he was endowed, then they rolled down the cheeks when I read sealed as a family! Amazing, I am so happy for them. What a wonderful blessing. And hey, what a great purse for you! : ) classic!!!!
It's crazy to think that Christmas was just a month ago! Great recap and great pictures. I wish I could relive the whole month, there were so many fun times and wonderful times!
P.S. I like the pictures of Ashlyn on stage (granted I have some very similar ones of Madi). I like the lighting and they look nice and clear--a good representation of the performance me thinks!
This post made me laugh and then made me cry. What a special month for all of you. Isn't amazing what we can pack into a month? (And then it takes 2 more months to recover!) Love the handbag idea - hysterical. And of course, I love the quilt. Love your family!! xoxoxo
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