Ann just had a birthday...... the big 3 0 ! Actually, she looks terrific and she has 3 beautiful children. As the saying goes, she's 30, flirty, and fun!

Real Gingerbread Houses

I finally did it again! I made real gingerbread. I forgot how easy it was to make these miniature houses. Years ago, Marissa's 3rd grade teacher (Mrs. Bailey) let every child do their own little gingerbread house. She asked for parent volunteers to make the gingerbread and cut out the houses in advance so that's how I got the recipe. Kaitlynn was a big help. She and I put the houses together for everyone except Carter and then she helped Kessie by putting the frosting in spots and letting her put the candies on. Isaac and Kessie even ate less candy this year and decorated more.

kids.... gotta love em

Isaac says the most interesting prayers. Most nights he prays for our bishop (who is also his uncle). The other night he was more specific, "bless the bishop to do the things he does, and to pass out snacks.... when he wants.... and when people have birthdays." Last night along with "help us not to hit people, or kick them or punch anybody" it was also "bless us to watch good episodes, not bad episodes.... like the Simpsons." (The Simpsons have long been banned at our house so he's never watched it he's only knows it's not allowed.)

This is why....

First off, anyone who really knows Isaac, knows that he LOVES sugary treats. He's not a good eater, but he sure can down the treats, and too much sugar makes him wild and crazy. Sunday I told Terry that we really needed to make sure that Isaac didn't get any treats because he was on a sugar high from the weekend. So, later in the day he comes out of Primary (4 pm) with 2 candy canes. He downs the first one minutes after we get in the car. On the way home he's thrashing in his car seat and Carter quietly says, "This is why we don't give him sugar." Next Isaac loudly announces as he's kicking his legs and arms and swaying back and forth with his entire body, "THIS IS WHY YOU DON'T GIVE ME SUGAR!"

I don't know about you, but I've been very busy getting ready for Christmas. I have several projects that I'll post about later since I wouldn't want any secrets revealed before the big event.




Since my last post, we've had two almost week-longs visits from Jenna and Ava. Jenna has been home having some dental work done by our trusted family dentist while she still had dental insurance during her "maternity leave". While they were here, Ellie and Ava had a good look at each other. Ellie wanted to kiss Ava, but Ava wasn't too cooperative. It was cute to watch them together. I'm sure they'll have so much fun together in a few years.











We put up our Christmas tree in record time this year......... long before Ann's birthday on the 19th of December. However, my favorite decorations are my tiny nativity sets. Terry brought me a new one today. How sweet is that!