Making Ornaments

The other day, my mom came over and we made ornaments of my kids hands with the kids (well, duh...can't make ornaments of their hands without them, huh?) And then we made a gingerbread house.

The kids had a blast with Gran mixing and kneading the dough for the ornaments. We had flour EVERYWHERE! It was so fun. Course I had to be there with the camera...so I'm trying to not get flour on the camera.

Here they are mixing and kneading the dough....you can see that they are intent on what they are doing, but they can always flash mommy a big smile!!

Had to get one with Gran in there! They love their Gran!

Now, they each got a turn at rolling the dough out flat. Above is Reidster and below is Cole-dog!!

Ella is very intent as well. We were laughing so hard at her because every single time I called her name...no matter what for...she assumed I was going to take her picture and this is the smile that she flashed at me. I mean that's total "Say Cheese on demand!" Mom and I couldn't stop laughing at her. She is for sure the biggest ham in our house!

Now, we move to cutting out their handprint...no worries, she didn't cut any of them!! We had to do them each I think at least 2x to get it right! But the kids were excited to get their turn.

And of course, sweet Ella....she flashed me her smile. Honestly because she kept doing it, I just kept saying her name.

Below you will see the finished product. I have to get a spray to put on them that will give them a glossy finish and help preserve them. They will go on the tree next year. I still have the one that my mom made of my hand when I was 5...it's really cool to look back over the years and watch how fast they grow. And I love that ornament even to this day of my handprint. Brings back some good memories.

Once this project was complete, we went on to make a gingerbread house. It took about 20 minutes to put together and about 5 for them to tear it apart and eat it! GROSS, I know.

Christmas Day

Ok...so I'm a little late on this post...but I completely went on strike this week and refused to do anything, but sit on my tush and play Wii with my kids and just chill and relax!! Afterall, Monday, it all starts again...school, rushing here and there, karate, working out, dance, etc....

But I have to share these pictures. My sister in law bought Ella this sweet purple princess dress and the crown for Christmas and I know she and my niece are waiting to see this picture! Ella opened the present and immediately wanted to put it on. She said: "Look Mommy, I'm a princess!" And she is for sure. She is a princess on the outside as well as the inside.


This next picture is of the outfit my Aunt Wanda bought her for Christmas. I mean seriously...this could be the best outfit ever. And Ella of course wears it well.


Next we have Reid so excited to get his Tony Romo! I know, I have him totally trained...isn't it awesome?!! He was really excited when he opened this. He loves Romo and the Cowboys! I couldn't be prouder.


Next we have sweet Cole excited over his new horse set. Now, I'm not sure what happened to this picture as it's horrible quality...but it's all I got for now folks. You can still see his sweet face.


Next we have Ella in her other princess dress that she got. Now, who said a Princess can't be beautiful and hip all at the same time? Well, this little miss thing says you can! Check her out! Priceless.


We had an awesome Christmas this year. We spent time with family and just sat still and enjoyed it! We celebrated Jesus' birthday with a cake and with the story of His birth. We pray that our children will always know the true meaning of Christmas being in Christ and not in presents.