Christmas 2009

I love playing Santa! This was the first year the kids were really into "Santa". A few days before Christmas Michael told Alaina she was going to be on the naughty list because she was rearranging chairs in the dining room. Funny stuff :) The kids wrote Santa (aka: grandma) this year & he wrote back! At first Michael didn't want to, but I told him if he didn't Santa wouldn't know what to send him & he might end up with dolls & pretty princess underwear. That got him a-written, boy!

I'm am proud to say that I made all the stockings this year! My mom made us stockings when we were kids out of corduroy & felt. I had mine from when I was a sprout, so I made all the others following suit. They turned out amazing! Brian's had (big surprise) a bike on it w/ falling snowflakes, Rylees' a horse w/ horseshoes & flowers, Michael's Wall-e & stars, Lizzie's a dancing ballerina w/ music notes, and Alaina's is a baby doll w/ hearts. I hand cut out everything & was shocked at my inventiveness.


Here's Alaina sporting her new baby stroller - a must have for getting her beloved baby dolls from A to Z.

Although I love the Santa gig, I tried to keep the focus more on the REAL reason for Christmas. I told Michael that even Santa works for Jesus and has to be good & follow the commandments. We got a good FHE idea from the Friend to cut out paper angels ornaments & each write down something we wanted to give the Savior for Christmas to show our love for Him & all He's done for us. My aunt & her family puts on costumes (towels, bathrobes, etc.) & reenact the story of Mary & Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the Christ child's birth. I think we'll try that next year when the kids can hold still for more than 30 seconds.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We hope you did too!

Rylee-Bylee

Rylee joined us for Christmas this year. It's always nice to have her! I became her step-momma when she was a sassy lil' 3 yr old. She'll be 10 in April and is thankfully not near as sassy. Gives me hope for my girls!


She saw me wrap this gift so this is her acting surprised when she opened it. Perfect performance.

Rylee is the youngest at her other house, so she really enjoys coming here & being the big sister. My kids love her & she is a super big help entertaining & wrangling kids.

Preschool Christmas Concert

My lil' man's first concert :) Michael's not a big singer, but he had fun w/ his classmates singing & dancing & being goofy. Can always count on Michael for goofiness! He looked rather dashing, and isn't that all that matters ;)


Go Michael! Go Michael!

Super Star

I emailed most of you to let you know that Alaina will be featured in a Seattle Children's Hospital billboard in early 2010. The pic was taken when she went in for her surgery in Sept. I can't figure out how to attach the pic, but it's very sweet. Anyway. Ever since Alaina found out she's going to be a star she's been bringing me these glasses to wear. I guess it keeps her fans at bay, but who knows what these celebrities are thinking ;)


Alaina Crosby hanging out with her peeps. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm definitely a fan of this group!

Lizzie's First Hair Cut

I loved Lizzie's long locks, but she's pretty stubborn about me doing much with it. So it was hair wacking time! Here's her before pic.


And here's the after.

It's super cute now. Makes her look older I think. I cut it so it folds under naturally so now we match :) Gotta love that.

Here's a fun one of the girls & I making frosting for Brian's birthday cake. Happy bday Baby!

Halloween 2009

I just love this one of Michael. Shows what a ham he really is. We went Trunk or Treating at Michael's preschool Halloween night. The kids had a great time. Michael's favorite part was handing out candy to people who came to our door. When our candy ran out he emptied out his bucket "so the kids will get candy too, momma". What a sweet boy.


Alaina Bumble Bee, Lizzie Kitty, and Michael Bumble Bee Transformer.

Lizzie's outfit was definitely my favorite. Super cute!