Christmas Cookies and Christmas Party at School

Every year my kids love making Christmas cookies. I hate the mess but, it is fun to eat the dough and decorate the cookies. Mckinley had to take some cookies to her school party so I decided we would take the plunge and get the kitchen dirty once.

Mckay had a Christmas breakfast at school. They had reindeer pancakes with bacon antlers. They had Christmas around the world and then went caroling to the local business's.
Mckinley also went caroling, ate hot chocolate and had a visitor from the North Pole in her class. Even Beckham got to sit on Santa's lap. He did a little better this time, he still wasn't too thrilled with the idea but there wasn't any crying.

Christmas Caroling

Since we have moved to Fruita it has been a Christmas tradition to Christmas Carol with The Lynn's, Chapman's, and this year the Keith's. We had a fun time and the kids love running to the doorstep and singing songs.

As you can see the dads always stay in the back. I didn't hear too much singing from them.
I have such great friends. I love caroling because it is so fun to spread a little Christmas cheer while hanging out with great friends.

I know next year we will miss this caroling experience. Thanks guys for the fun memories.

Santa at the Mesa Mall, Christmas parties, and the Light Parade

So it has been a yearly ritual since living in Colorado to visit Santa at the Mesa Mall. Last year Beckham didn't mind Santa but, this year he wanted nothing to do with him. He has loved Santa and every time we see a picture or see an inflatable Santa on someones lawn he says HO-HO-HO. Obviously he only likes Santa from afar. After the kids told Santa what they wanted we went to the Giving Tree to pick out a few names to give Christmas to. My kids loved picking names that were their age and it has helped a little in sharing the true meaning of Christmas. However, our shopping experience in Target turned into a nightmare. All three of our kids at different times were in tears because they too wanted toys. Hopefully, one day they will get it.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Last Saturday we went to our ward Christmas party. It was fun to visit with close friends and eat pancakes. Beckham loved the pancakes, which is evident in the pictures. We played basketball and the kids ran around. Beckham just loves basketball and our friend Kenny was lifting him up so he could reach the tall rim. He really didn't know what to do.

Saturday night we went to the annual Fruita Light Parade. Our kids just loved this parade and I just like hanging out with friends. After the parade we had a friend Christmas Party at the Keiths. We exchanged wild white elephant gifts and ate a lot of yummy appetisers. We were all pretty pooped after a wild day of Christmas celebrations. Mckinley and her friend Chloe both fell asleep in the middle of the toy room.

Christmas Movie Night

One of my fondest memories as a child is watching "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman" during the holidays. I remember sitting in my basement watching as the lights from the Christmas tree flickered on the television. This was such a magical and beautiful time of year and I can almost feel the joy I once felt as a child. Over the years my Christmas spirit has seemed to fade as I have focused on the trivial matters of Christmas. Having Children and seeing their joy has refocused me on the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas is a celebration of our family, friendships and the life of Christ.

Jason and I have tried to start Christmas traditions for our family. One that I have enjoyed is snuggling up in a blanket with our kids, turning the Christmas lights on and watching Christmas movies on television. Although, the graphics and imaging are outdated they are classic. My children seem to love them as much as I did as a child. Every time, I am drawn back to my childhood and my innocent spirit of Christmas.

Last night we watched "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and ate popcorn. It was fun to relax and enjoy each others company. Beckham loved the popcorn and even sat and watched the movie. Mckay and Mckinley sang the songs and watched intently. It was truly magical.

Ohio Friends Christmas Party

Hey you all, a few of us want to get together over the Holidays. We are thinking about the 27th of December. If you will be in Utah around then and are interested in getting together email me at kelliebarney@hotmail.com and I will send you further information.