You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

This year, we put up our Christmas tree the first Saturday in December - we put it up on a table so it was out of Peter-reach and told the kids they it was just for looking, not touching... but apparently it was just too tempting. After several upsets and a couple of broken ornaments (not sure what I was thinking there), I turned into Mommy Grinch and put the tree in the garage - a week later.

On Sunday, we decided to try again. This time we had the kids do ALL the work - hoping it will give them a sense of ownership and save the tree from another visit to "Santa's Workshop".

Did you know it is a rule that you have to wear reindeer antlers while you decorate a Christmas tree?

So far, it seems to have worked. We should be able to last the few days until Christmas, right?

Lincoln-ism

"Dad, It's kind of wiggy out today!"

Ward Christmas Party

This year our ward hosted one of the best church Christmas parties I've been to in a long time. Everyone brought their favorite Christmas treats to share and each family was encouraged to dress in Nativity costumes. My kids thought this was the greatest - like Halloween and Christmas rolled into one! What's not to like?

We managed to hit all the important parts - we had Mary, Joseph, the angel, a wise man, and a little lamb - along with a baby doll to be the baby Jesus.

After a bit of mixing and mingling, they split the ward up by birthday month and had everyone sing parts of the "12 Days of Christmas" so we all got to see who we shared birthday celebrations and get to know ward members a little better. Then instead of having Santa come, the bishop gathered all the kids around and told them a Christmas story and handed out goodie bags. It was a fun social time, but very focused on the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

5 going on 15

We can't believe she's already 5! Of course, she doesn't believe that she's only 5 - so I guess it all evens out. Leah has been such a joy in our lives. She reminds us that life is an adventure so we shouldn't let fear stand in our way. We love her enthusiasm and determination (most of the time) and are very grateful for the joys and challenges she has brought to our lives over the last five years.

We love you Leah!

We had a little family birthday party at Grandma and Papa's house this weekend. We had a fun pizza party followed by a Dora birthday cake and ice cream, of course.

Happy Birthday Leah!

No Moms Allowed

I found this sign on the door to Leah's bedroom yesterday.

She's either planning a surprise for me or doesn't want me to see the huge mess she's made in there. Guess which one I'm betting on?