Holiday Snapshots - Part 2

With work taking over the holiday season, it's so nice to make time for fun. To actively seek out joyful activities and to be present - to be present for the boys and Firoze. To enjoy making these family memories. These memories of warm cookies, dinners with friends, shopping for presents, watching Christmas movies, reading Christmas books each night, opening the doors of the advent calendar each morning. This, more than the click of the cash register keys, is what brings the Christmas joy into our season.

What good is making gingerbread houses when they tempt you with their sweet spicy smell? We had to make gingerbread cookies too, so we could eat them!









What says "Christmas" more than flying pterodactyls and brachiosaurus?


Thanks B - we love our dinosaur cookie cutters!

Yes, we did make some traditional cookies too. Milk is so in this season!



And we started off our season with the St. Regis Christmas Party... And what a glamourous, luxe event it was!

Awww...the lovebirds!







Cheers to an open bar!



The ballroom was decorated with thousands of crystal snowflakes, creating a glittery winter wonderland.



Firoze and his GM.





It's good to be king. King of the party, that is.



Another day at the St. Regis was the Children's Christmas Party.  You know it was THE party to be at when Santa showed up!



Devon drew his list and brough it, carefully explaining that he wants dinosaurs, a clown that pops out of a box and a drum. ??? Hmmm... Santa, you better work it out!


Who's been nice and who's been naughty?




The sweet housekeeping team loving on our boys.


Made to order belgium waffles - I want to be 5 years old again!









And the parties just keep coming here, with the Tiffany's Christmas Party.


The cool table!



You know it's the holiday if Debbie is drinking a chocolate martini!


Firoze and his "cousins."



And last, but not least...

With all the presents and parties, it's easy to get so wrapped up in the holiday season and to forget about the reason we celebrate. Every year, I love to set up the manger (or "ranger" as Devon calls it, along with "Ranger Mary" and "Baby Ranger.") I'm trying my best to let the boys know the miracle of Christmas and Jesus's birth. I'm so thankful to God for all the blessings he has given us, but especially our wonderful family.

Holiday Snapshots - Part 1

A picture is worth 1000 words.

Hopefully that's true because this post will tell the story of our holiday season. With so much going on, sometimes it's hard to figure out whether I'm coming or going. Waking up at the crack of dawn and working until long after the sun goes down. Trying to bring a little bit of the holiday sparkle into our season.

I need a nap.

And a peppermint hot chocolate! Shhh... don't tell anyone - that's what gets me through a retail Christmas.

And off we go!

Hello Christmas Decorations:











"Snowflakes that fall on your nose and eyelashes..."







A little Christmas twinkle in the playroom.



I brought this reindeer ring for Devon and thought it would make it's way to the trash, but he has been wearing it all day and everytime I see it, it makes me smile!



Christmas music playing in the house - a must!



What would the holidays be without a extremely messy house? It goes with the territory. We're trying to work on it, but what is more important - a clean playroom or making gingerbread houses? Come on people. :)



Organizing candy is a science in this house.





My heart aches with love for my sweet boy!







Devon's masterpiece, candy decorating completely and 100% by him!



My baby house for Dean, made completely by me! Ha! No babies allowed when it comes to 100 candy pieces. (Trust me, he was happy to eat any candy that made it's way to the floor.)



Now this looks like Christmas!









We're halfway there people. Next installment... 2012. Just kidding! Who knows when I'll have 20 minutes to myself? Thank God Firoze has the boys right now and gave me the gift of ALONE TIME. Best gift ever!