I'll Be Home for Christmas

.....and home for Christmas I was! We beat the snow and traffic on our way "Up North" and were snowed in for the rest of the days we spent there. Seriously, I didn't leave the neighborhood. We made our own fun by playing Rock Band, sledding, and having a little family Christmas program (my mom insisted!). Here are some picture highlights:

Dad, Gerrit, Greg, and Owen playing Rock Band. Owen was an essential part of the band.

Mom and Dad with the grandkids. Everyone was looking slightly dishevelled on Christmas Eve.

Mom teaching Aubrey to knit.

Jozie, Sophie and Aubrey

Christmas morning! It's finally here!My sister Courtney and her family: husband Paul, Jozie and Aubrey.My sister Carey and her family: husband Greg, Sophie and Owen. Me and Gerrit. The funny thing is....we're not really sledding........but we do have fun. We hope you had a very Merry Christmas! We love you all!

Kid Quote of the Day

Pre-Information: I'm a Para in Mr. Carlson's EBD classroom. We took the kids to the gym and on the way out....

8 year-old girl: Are you like Mr. Carlson's girlfriend and is he your boyfriend? (side note: this little girl has asked other male and female co-workers the same question.)

Me: No. Mr. Carlson is married to a woman who isn't me and I am married to a man (that I love) that isn't him.

8 year-old girl: That's really gross.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Immediately following Thanksgiving, Gerrit and I got to work on Christmas decorations and shopping. After fiddling with lights and decorations for way too long, we learned that we shouldn't decorate the same item together. Making a home beautiful can bring out the "uglies" in people. :) We were laughing at our "holiday spirit" by the end.

Here's our little tree. That actually is all of it (propped up on box). This year, Gerrit had some childhood ornaments to share. I used to decorate this tree when I was little. Hopefully, someday our kids will do the same.

This is the Nativity set my parents gave us as a wedding gift a couple years ago. They brought it back from a trip to Israel. It's from Bethlehem! This is the first year we've had a place to put it.

Last night as I was wrapping presents, I wanted to watch a holiday movie. I searched our OnDemand movies and found....MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS! I was so happy. It's not totally a holiday movie, but it is where Judy Garland sang the original "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and I love it. I used to watch it over and over when I was really little. I would just yell, "Meet Louie! Meet Louie!" and my mom would know I wanted to watch it.I hope the start of your holiday season has been lovely and that the "uglies" stay away from the festivities!

Gobble, Gobble

Happy Late Thanksgiving to all! Gerrit and I had a great Thanksgiving with his family. It all seemed to go so fast, but we managed to squeeze the fun into the days we had. There were about 25 family members and friends over for lunch on Thanksgiving day.

This is the "kids table." There was actually only one kid under the age of 20, but we were the youngsters at this gathering.

Gerrit and I had to leave on Thanksgiving evening so that Gerrit could work on Black Friday. Ick.

Here are the hosts! Gerrit's parents: Gwen and Ed. They always make sure everyone is comfortable and well-fed. :) Thank you! We love you!