Christmas Preparations

Here are the first group of pictures of Christmas. Something is going on with the picture loader, so they are a little out of order!!! More to come :)

Decorating our first Tennessee tree in the midst of boxes and chaos!

A Hay Ride

Looking for the perfect tree

Making Christmas Ornaments

Good Times at Christmas

This Christmas was very different and full of "firsts" for us as a family. Our first Christmas away from our Ketchikan family, who we missed very much. Our first "Tennessee Christmas", the first Christmas in our new home and our first Christmas shared with the Maloney family.

After closing on our new house, we had 2 weeks to have new carpet and flooring installed have it all painted, clean, move in and decorate for Christmas. Jasen's Dad and Stepmom came for four days to help. We were so thankful for them, we never would have been able to do it without their help.

We did have a chance to do a couple of fun activities with the kids. We made ornaments together for our "homemade"tree, attended a Christmas parade, and visited a Christmas tree farm.

Due to all of the moving in activity, we didn't have much time for Christmas cards, or presents for friends. I had many good intentions. I do plan on sending out a New Years letter to friends and family, so please don't be hurt if you didn't receive anything from us....you will!

Even though it was busy we had a great time with family. My Nana was able to come and spend Christmas with us this year, which was a very special treat for all of us. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and pray for a blessed New Year.

Results!

Ok, so many of you were close, but only one person got it right. The prize goes to my Mom! Not surprising because other than Jasen and I she has spent the most time with them. Mom will be receiving all 4 gingerbread men in the mail as her reward :)

Most people who know my kids well, know that Jaden is very precise and picky about everything. Evan is becoming very much the same way, only worse! With Adam, anything goes and the more sugar the better. Just like most girls, Leah loves her candy and is so busy multi tasking that she doesn't have time to be picky about where the bits and pieces are placed, as long as they get on there!!!

How well do you know our kids?

So, with Christmas almost upon us we have started baking, doing Christmas crafts and all the fun things that go along with this time of year. A couple of weeks ago we kicked things off by decorating gingerbread men. When we were all done, I stepped back and chuckled because each one represented their makers personality so well. So, I challenge you to guess which child made which gingerbread man. Results will follow when I have enough response to make it a competition!!

Number 1

Number 2 Number 3 Number 4

A Visit From Friends

Thanksgiving was different this year. It was our first year away from Ketchikan, away from everything that has been familiar. We were blessed this year to have friends join us for a few days over the weekend. It was so much fun to have Becky and Tim with us. Great to be able to catch up and be around good friends.

Friday took us to a Mennonite community about 20 minutes from where we live. We saw alot of the countryside and then stopped into Franklin Tennessee for lunch.

Saturday Jasen and Tim headed out to Bowling Green, KY to do some shopping and have some "guy time". Becky and I hung out at home visiting over countless cups of tea. It was very relaxing and nice to chat, so much nicer that emails and phone calls!!

Saturday evening we took a trip into Nashville to see the Opryland Hotel. It was very busy and I have to admit a little stressful trying to keep the kids together, but Becky and Tim had fun seeing the beautiful Christmas decor, it really is an incredible sight.

We packed quite a bit into our time together and had alot of fun. Hopefully they will come back to visit again, which they both promised they would :)