Kids' Christmas Tree Ornaments

Two years ago I started a new tradition with the kids. I already had a small, pine, Christmas tree and I deemed it "The Kids' Tree".  Each year they could pick out an ornament at the store to add to their tree.  I wanted to begin this tradition when Tyson was little but we were living in St. Maarten at that time, and Christmas wasn't celebrated there like we do here, so...I am behind. To make up for lost time I have been allowing Tyson to get two ornaments each year till he is caught up. This year he chose a football trophy ornament.

Taryn usually goes for princess ornaments, but this year the crystal stiletto shoe with the white foo-foo caught her eye.

This is the kids' tree.  Besides their yearly ornaments, it also is adorned with any ornaments they have made at home or school. I love my Santa Clause tree but the kids' tree is precious to me.  I love to see them decorate it each year.

Christmas Day

It's Christmas Day, it's Christmas Day, time to celebrate.  Last night Tyson couldn't sleep and yet he was the first one up this morning.  He came in and told me to get up around 6:45 a.m.  I was able to subdue him for about another hour and then he woke everyone up.  It was time to see what Santa brought.

Taryn was so excited to open up her gift from Tyson. She had just gotten Doc McStuffins from Santa and was about to receive another part to that toy.  I love watching their little faces as the anticipation of the present underneath the paper is seen.

She was thrilled to get "Lamie", Doc's friend.  She could have stopped there and would have been happy, but there were more surprises to behold.

I love Tyson's facial expressions.  They are priceless!  He got the Wreck-It-Ralph DS game.  He was so happy and that made me happy cause I had gotten it for such a good deal.

Taryn got a new "Brave" suitcase. Now she can travel in style.

Vaughn got just what he wanted this year, a complete set of Scent Blocker hunting camo.  He has the pants, jacket, undershirt, and gloves.  Plus we got him an archery back pack.  I was so glad that he was happy with his Christmas!  I did well!

We all take turns opening a gift and everyone gets to see what the other person gets.  This draws out the anticipation and it also gives everyone a chance to show off what they got.  I love it!

Tyson received this Angry Bird hat from Aunt D and Uncle Jesse.  He wore it the rest of the day.

Missy Moo got a new coat.  She is the cutest little green girl I know.

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Our families spoiled us.  Thanks to all of them for our Christmas.  It was a wonderful day.

The kids got the board game of Angry Birds.  It is the live version of the video game.  This game is one of the most fun I have ever played.  I like it cause it is also the first game that I can beat the kids at.  Believe it or not, I cannot win very many games against my children, but I can with this one.

Like I said, he wore it all day.

Taryn posing in one of her new outfits.  Love it.  She is already a little fashionista.

The kids and Vaughn bought me the shoes and the pants and shirt came from my mom.  I loved them.

Tyson, Vaughn and Taryn trying to fly the helicopter.  It was a collection of the minds to get it to work.

Ah, Christmas dinner.  We had ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes, corn and stuffed potatoes.  And I made it all by myself.  That is something I have never done before.

Mr. Hunter himself.  He looks great, now he just needs to find a deer to shoot.

HA HA HA.  I know he is going to get me for this picture someday, but he loved the hat so much he wore it to bed.  That means he liked it.  It was a wonderful day with just the four of us.  I am so grateful for my little family and the joy they bring into my life each and everyday of the year.  I am so happy that we are all healthy and happy and that we have more time here in Knoxville, TN.

Christmas Eve

This year our Christmas Eve was made simple.  No family came to visit this year, but we were not sadden by this.  It is actually nice to be together, just the four of us, doing our traditions.  Tyson helped me make the pumpkin pie.  He is turning into a good little cook/helper.

Vaughn took the best shot of me making the pie crust.  I look like a "pretty princess".  HA HA HA
We spent the day as a family, grocery shopping for Christmas dinner, picking up Papa Murphy's pizza for our traditional movie and pizza and then playing games and hanging out.  We seldom get this "family time" since Vaughn works a lot and the kids and I are busy with our many activities.  It was nice to just sit and relax and enjoy each other's company.

The pie was made, the other dinner aspects ready for tomorrow, now it's time to watch our traditional Christmas movie and eat pizza.

Our movie was "The Polar Express" and the pizza was pepperoni/Hawaiian.  

Daddy and daughter enjoying the movie.  This is such a precious picture.  I am so grateful each and everyday that Vaughn and my kids are in my life.  That is the best Christmas gift I could get.

Me and my little buddy.  I love this kid.
Once the movie was over, it was time to bake our cookies for Santa and get kids washed and ready for bed.  With the cookies and a glass of Coke, (Santa is treated well at this house.  He gets Coke instead of milk) all laid out, we snuggled two kiddos into bed and Vaughn and I have been wrapping some last minute gifts plus getting ready for Santa ourselves.
Tyson has come down the stairs, twice, saying he cannot sleep.  He is too excited for Christmas to come.  I remember those days.  Bless him.  So we are now upstairs trying to get him to sleep.  At least the princess is out in her bed.  Thank goodness. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good and sleep filled night.

Oh Holy Night

The West Hills Ward decided to put on an outside Nativity.  I received an email from our Relief Society president about this little show.  So Friday night we bundled up the kids and headed to see the Nativity.

It was a small and simple gathering, but sweet nonetheless.   They had a small projector screen playing The Nativity from the LDS website.  They also had two fire pits and a live Nativity with Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and an Angel.  It was fun for the kids to see it all.  We all enjoyed the night and it helped us with the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

2nd Grade Christmas Party

Friday was Tyson's school Winter Festival Party.  It makes me sad that they cannot call it a Christmas party anymore.  Darn political people.  I helped, with other parents, in running a few games and crafts.  In the above picture, Tyson is on the far left, in the black robe.  Each year at CBES they allow the kids to come to school in their pajamas and watch the "Polar Express."  What a fun thing to do for the kids.  Tyson looks forward to it every year.

I brought Taryn with me, since she is my shadow, to Tyson's party.  My station was the candy cane ornament station.  The kids enjoyed making them.

Tyson is such a happy-go-lucky kid.  He gets along so well with his school friends.

Here is Tyson with a bunch of his school class mates.

Mrs. Craft and Tyson.  She is a really good 2nd grade teacher.  I have been impressed with her teaching thus far this year. She is tough, but gets results and that I like.  Plus, Tyson really likes her.

Llama, Llama, Red Pajama

Wednesday at the library, during Story Time, the Llama from "Llama, Llama Red Pajama" was there to listen to the stories.  The library lady read the kids 3 Llama, Llama books.  Then they were able to dance to Christmas music with the big fluffy animal.  Taryn was in heaven the whole time.  What a fun day at story time.

Pack Meeting with Flare

Our first pack meeting of the year, and it is always with flare.  Tyson has now advanced from Tiger to Wolf.  I am so proud of him and his desire to be a scout like his dad and uncles.  He takes it seriously, which is more than I can say for some of the boys.

The pictures are grainy, I know, but I wanted to document him recieving his awards.

Tyson has earned his 11th belt loop.  He works hard for them and enjoys the satisfaction of his ability to work hard to get them.  So proud of my little man.  Way to go Tyson.
ON A SIDE NOTE:  At this pack meeting they have the Boy Scouts come out dressed in full Indian attire and perform a ceremony for the older cub scouts to move up in rank.  The first year we saw this I was flabbergasted.  This time it was old news.  But it still adds flare to the night.

Ward Christmas Party 2012

My handsome little man.

My beautiful little princess.

All the primary children entertaining the ward at the party. (yes, I am the one on the right bending down.)

Taryn is so into the songs.  Look at how she spans out her hair as she sings.  OH MY!

Now she is intently watching the older children sing, when she should be singing.  Oh well, at least my son is doing what he is suppose to be doing.

Now she faces front.  And...it is over.

HA HA HA  love this face.

Taryn examining her food.

Here we go.  We are back to singing again and Taryn has Kate on one side, Lauren on the other.

Now she isn't paying attention again.  What else is new!  Bless her!

The ward party was great as always.  I always enjoy the food, church family and friends.  The kids like it too.  This is the one night they can RUN through the church and no one gets after them.  HA HA