Christmas leftovers

We all have Christmas leftovers of some type. Somethings like wrapping paper and ribbon we can store away for next year but some things you either throw away or have to eat! (like candy)

I saw this idea on a blog somewhere and I can not remember where. But I thought it was a great one. What do you do with all the Christmas cards you get? Please don't say throw them away!! Especially those with a photo on it. Yes I have an obsession with not throwing away photos. It's just not right.

I think it's so much fun to look back at Christmas cards throughout the years. Here is a way to keep it organized...Just punch a hole in the upper corner of each card and attach them to a metal ring. I added a simple tag that I printed out on the computer that has the year on it. You could go a step further and add ribbon and more embellishments. Next Christmas I plan on putting a basket somewhere around the house with these little card "albums" in it.

On to my next Christmas leftover. Mini candy canes! What do you do with these? I saw these little creations on this blog. (see below) What a great idea, huh? Just in time for Valentine's Day! I did these the other day for Andrew and he loved them. He laughed at them but ate them right up. You could even make these and put a wrapper on them and give them to your children's school friends. I'm not doing that but hey I though it was a good idea. No, I have something else planned for his school friends.

See below for all the pics...

No candy cane in this shot but I had to include it. Just look at that sweet face. :-)

Christmas Day

Andrew woke up around 7 a.m. on Christmas morning ready to find out what Santa had left him...

Checkout out the front door to see if the reindeer like his carrots and food. They must have been hungry because ALL the carrots were gone!

Here are some pictures of the opening present frenzy. I love his facial expressions!!

This plate from Auntie is just too cute and Andrew thought it was the funniest thing ever.

And just like that it's over and the mess is all that is left. (Lanette this photo is for you. I hear you think I have a maid! HAHA that is funny. Oh, I wish. Boy do I wish.)

The boys retreated to the basement to play all of the new Wii games. Andrew loves loves loves to play the Wii.

We had an awesome day. Playing with all the new games and toys and eating a yummy prime rib dinner. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Christmas Eve Recap

It snowed all day on Wednesday and we woke up on Christmas Eve to beautiful sparkling snow. The sun was out and it really looked like a winter wonderland.

We spent all morning baking and cooking. Then we headed off to church for the family program at 1:30 p.m. The program was great and really geared towards children. After church, we had friends and family at our house and had an absolutely wonderful time visiting. The kids played in dress up clothes and had a blast.

See below for the rest of the story....

After our friends left Andrew got right to business and got the cookies and milk for Santa. He was very specific this year. We had to leave three cookies and ice milk because that is what Santa wants. Then he said "Oh wait! I have to write Santa a letter!" He proceeds to write him a letter saying "Please only eat two cookies. Love, Andrew" LOL Apparently he wanted one for himself. This kid cracks me up.

We stepped outside in the beyond cold freezing temperature and left carrots and reindeer food for Santa's reindeer.

Then headed upstairs to read a fun version of the Night Before Christmas.

Andrew didn't even finish the book. He said he wanted to hurry up and act like he was dead (it's in the book) so Santa would come and leave him presents. Then he reassured us he wouldn't look out the window or get out of bed to take a peek at Santa. I love Christmas Eve with a 5 year old. I know a day will come when he doesn't believe so I'm savoring every second of this.

Merry (white) Christmas!

It snowed all day long yesterday and was just beautiful. We baked and cooked and had a snowball fight. Two against one is getting old. It's always boys against girls! Ah...Who am I joking I wouldn't have it any other way.)

It's supposed to snow off an on for the next three days. So, yes we are going to have a white Christmas this year. Woo-hoo!!!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you are able to enjoy this magical time with your family/children. The excitement for Santa is building in our house and I can hardly wait to see Andrew climb down the stairs in the morning to see what Santa has left him. It really is the most wondeful time of the year. :-) (Yes, it's corny but I couldn't hold back!)


Here are more pics of your winter wonderland...

Preschool Christmas Program

Andrew had his Christmas program last night. It was so cute to watch all of the kids sing their songs. There are 7 preschool classes at his school so there was a large group of kids singing. It just brings tears to your eyes to hear their little voices singing all together. Each class sang their own song and then at the end they all sang a song together.

Andrew did a great job and just shined on the stage. He was the loudest kid up there. Thankfully he wasn't screaming it just singing loudly. After the program both of his teachers came up to us and said, "Your son is a really strong singer. He just belts it out." I love his teachers. They are so kind and positive and Andrew has grown so much since he started this new preschool.

We took some photos before we left andthen of the program itself.

Here he is copying what Mommy is doing. Mr. Funny boy.

Andrew with his wonderful teachers...

A view of the sanctuary, where the program was held.

He keeps waving at Blake as they take the stage.

Let the singing begin...

This is my favorite photo. He is so into the song and animated. I love this about him.

Look how proud he is of himself. :-)

December Daily: Day 15