Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody!

Apparently taking photos is neither of the girls' favorite thing to do.  I don't know what is funnier, Emma's cheesy smile or Brooklyn's total look of disgust.

Ahhhh the memories...

 

This one turned out pretty good... wait a second...  Miss Brooklyn, WHY are you sticking out your tongue?!  Ornery little sneak!

 

I was trying to explain to Emma that she wore that very same green dress when she was Brooklyn's age.  She said she didn't remember it.  So I busted out the photos and showed her.

 

  

***♥*** 

 

With Santa coming, we decided to make him some cookies yesterday.

 

My little helpers, helping along.

I think she might have a future in baking.

She was all over the cookie cutters.  I couldn't keep enough dough rolled out for her.  She just kept cutting more and more shapes. 

And if baking doesn't work out, she's definitely an

Expert

"Cookie Taster"

 

***♥***

We are so blessed to have such generous and loving friends and family.  The girls were definitely spoiled this year.  Thank you all for taking the time to buy, wrap and mail them gifts.

(I will spare you the 400 photos I took of them opening every. single. one.... you're welcome.)

 

 

***♥***

Opening presents is pretty tiring business.  Emma spent most of the afternoon sitting on Brian's legs...

in one form or another.  I have no idea how this can be comfortable for either one of them.  But you have to admit... she's looking pretty stylish in her blue hat, teal jacket, red pj pants, and boots.

 

***♥***

This is definitely her favorite toy of the day.  I think it's pretty great as well.  It's a latch board by

 

I LOVE THESE TOYS.  We have a wide variety of their stuff.  So great for eye hand coordination, imagination, concentration... I could go on and on.

 

***♥***

Emma FINALLY got her wheels registered in the state of California.  AND her plates came today.  I told her it was illegal to drive without them, she just kept putting it off.  She's lucky she didn't get pulled over. ;)

 

***♥*** 

I looked over from my computer here and saw her reading some of her new books on the blanket I made her for Christmas.

Oops, then she noticed I had my camera out again.  I love seeing her read.

 

***♥***

Two of my favorite gifts from today. 

 

One was from my friend Lea.  Her family has this tradition every year where they make a birthday cake for Jesus.  But not just any cake, each component of it has a special meaning. 

 

Her instructions read:

• Use chocolate cake to symbolize our sins (Romans 3:23)
• White frosting - His purity covers our sins (Isaiah 1:18)
• Top with a yellow star to symbolize the one that shone over Jesus' manger (Matthew 2:1-2)
• Add an angel to represent the first glad tidings (Luke 2:9-10)
• 12 red candles - Christ is the light of the world (John 8:1-12)
• 12 to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world throughout the 12 months of the year, not just Christmas
• Red to symbolize His blood shed for us (Matthew 26:27-28)
• Encircle the cake with evergreen icing leaves - these symbolize everlasting life (John 3:16)
• Finally, the cake is circular to remind us that Jesus' love is never ending.
 

Then sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

 

.  She's told me about it before and I really think its such a sweet way to teach children why we celebrate Christmas.  So this year she bought me all the stuff and printed out instructions for it.

Such a cool gift!

Thank you Lea, we will definitely be making Jesus a birthday cake from now on.

 

And my Most Favorite Gift was from Brian

Isn't it beautiful?!?!?!

 

It's a "Family" ring.  Basically, a mother's ring, but he added his and my birthstones on it to represent our complete family of four.

 

It's so beautiful and thoughtful.

 

I absolutely love it.

 

***♥***

I guess Christmas was too exhausting for this little one.  She fell asleep in the middle of her feeding.  Slight milk drool going on.  However, we just might have another GINGER in the family.  I see a little bit of orangish red hair coming in at the top!

 

Love my carrot toppers!!!

"Now I lay me down to sleep, pray the Lord my soul to keep..."

She fell asleep with her hands still praying.

 

***♥***

 

 I hope you all had a very blessed Christmas spent with those you love. 

 I hope Santa brought you every thing you wanted. 

But most importantly I hope you remembered the reason for the season. 

 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!