Snow Quimzy (12/25/08)

Devin, Preston and Randy built a huge snow quimzy right in front of our house. It was big enough for about 5 people to sit in comfortably. They shoveled all of the snow off of our roof and dumped it on top of the pile, then they let it settle over night. The next day, they put sticks in it and then hollowed it out. Randy has made several of these on Boy Scout campouts and has actually slept in one before. He says it gets pretty toasty in there. Although, probably not toasty enough for someone like me who is used to crankin up the electric blanket every night. But it's probably pretty toasty for an Eskimo!
Unfortunately, the next day the temperature rose, it rained and the quimzy colapsed. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

Christmas Day (12/25/08)

Mmmmmm! Puppy Chow!!!

Aubrey got Curious George from Santa.

Serena got Hilda Hippo.

Caramel (the cat) loves it when everyone stays home. She thinks the only reason that we take time off of school or work is so we can give her attention.

If it looks like the older kids are half asleep, it's because they are. Christmas is really different once they become teenagers.

(Below) Devin says, "Yeah! I got duct tape in my stocking!"

Yeah! New games to play!

Tambre asked for nothing but CD's, as you can see, she got what she wanted.

Aubrey asked for Nutcrackers. I don't know of very many 5 year olds who like to collect Nutcrackers, but then, when has anyone in our family ever done anything normal?

Yeah! Dress up stuff for the princess!

This is a marionette that Tambre made for Devin. She wins the Grand Prize for creativity this year because she gave a present to each member of the family and each present was handmade. Way to go Tambre!
Unfortunately, this picture turned out blurry so you can't see it very well, but she did a good job on it and she made it all out of materials that she found around the house. She used yellow yarn and crocheted tubes for the neck and the legs. Tambre is very resourceful.

Gingerbread Houses (12/08)

Serena made this cute little gingerbread house at school and was very excited to bring it home and show it to me. Nice job Serena!

Our hometeachers brought this one(below)over to our house on Christmas Eve. They said that they have a family tradition, every year they make two gingerbread houses, one to keep and one to give away. This year they chose our family to give their delightful confection to. We were honored!

I thought that it was too beautiful to eat, however the girls had a different idea. You can see Aubrey perched like a vulture waiting for her prey. I told the kids they couldn't touch it until after I had taken a picture of it, so they waited and watched very closely until I was done clicking.

Happy 11th Birthday Preston! (11/20/08)

Preston's actual birthday is on Christmas Eve. so we always celebrate a little early. This year he had his party on Saturday the 20th. He invited about 8 boys, Randy took them all sledding for about an hour then brought them back to the house for hot chocolate and pizza. Preston opened his presents and then they all played air hockey and video games for a while. And finally, we ended the evening with brownies and ice cream. The boys were all well behaved and I think they all had a good time.

Christmas Party for the Hmong Branch (12/18/08)

Randy planned a really nice Christmas party for the Hmong Branch. They gathered at a local nursing home where one of the members resides and they had a potluck dinner. All of the residents were invited to join in and try some authentic Hmong food. After dinner, we set up a table in the middle of the diningroom for the kids to make a Christmas craft. They were given a sugar cone which they set upside-down (pointy side up)and covered with green frosting and then decorated it with sprinkles and mini M&M's, so it looked like a Christmas tree. The adults enjoyed watching the kids create their artistic confections. After that, Randy led us in a little sing-along. It was well attended,and everyone(young and old)seemed to have a good time.

Quotes from President Hinckley (12/08)

Every morning before the kids go to school we always read our quote of the day from "Stand a Little Taller" which is a book that has a scripture and a quote from the prophet, President Hinckley for each day of the year. I just wanted to share three quotes that show how President Hinckley felt about Christmas.

"I am grateful for Christmas. I am grateful for the spirit of the day and grateful for the outreach that comes into our hearts at this season of the year when we think a little more kindly of one another, when there is a little less of bitterness, when there is a little less of hate, when there is more of love and more of a reaching out to those in trouble and need and distress. I thank the Lord for Christmas."

"Christmas means giving. The Father gave His Son, and the Son gave His life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, without sacrifice there is no true worship."

"Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and gifts and baubles of a hundred different varieties. It is love. It is the love of the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches out beyond our power to comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful."

Favorite Christmas books for Children (12/16/08)

Merry Christmas: Big Hungry Bear! by Audrey Wood

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a must read for those who enjoyed "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear" and for those who are fans of Audrey and Don Wood.


View all my reviews.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
The illustrations are really cute! Plus the rhyming text makes it fun to read aloud.

View all my reviews.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an old classic with new illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. My girls like this version because the artwork is so colorful. We read it several times each year.


View all my reviews.

Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I like this one because it's the nativity with a different twist. It's told from the barn animal's points of view. They all work hard to prepare the barn for their special guests. It's surprising what one can learn from a simple Children's book, I think the subtle message here is: "What are WE doing to prepare for the Savior"?


View all my reviews.

Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yep! That's right, it's a Mercer Mayer book, which means I've probably read it a gazillion times!!!


View all my reviews.

The Stable Where Jesus Was Born by Rhonda Gowler Greene

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
School Library Journal says:

"Beautifully simple and maintains a natural rhythm, perfect for reading aloud."

I agree.


View all my reviews.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
We actually watch the movie (the old cartoon version not Warner Bros.)more than we read the book. Someone will start singing "You're a mean one Mr.Grinch..." and everyone will join in. How many of you are having roast beast for Christmas dinner?


View all my reviews.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Remember, "only believers can hear the sound of the bell."


View all my reviews.

Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
A deliciously, sweet little book! Perfect for the Holidays! I highly recommend this book to all fans of Jan brett and the Gingerbread Baby!


View all my reviews.

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so fun to read! I love it! The illustrations are warm and whimsical, the rhymning text flows nicely, I think I enjoy it as much as the kids do!

Note: If you like "Snowmen at Night", you'll love this one!


View all my reviews.