Wrapping up December.....

I know that I always have these colossal posts, but December was filled with so much fun that I can't leave anything out. Here is our Christmas card for this year. By the time I got finished editing them at Walmart, the kids feet got cut off a bit, but it still turned out pretty good. This picture is before I edited them, and added a border (sorry, T.M.I).

We started December off with FHE at my house. The first Monday of each month my family takes turns hosting FHE at there home. The lesson I chose was on "Love at Home". We talked about the things we can do to keep love in our homes. Then, to go along with the lesson, each family got to decorate there own gingerbread house. I feel so blessed to have my family so close and for the time we are all able to spend with one another. Here are some pictures of our Monday night madness.

I am trying to post things in order to when they happened. Next on the calender was Our monthly recipe group. It was at my home as well, and it was so much fun. Not only did each person bring a yummy recipe, but we also had a "Favorite Things" exchange. Each person brought twelve of there favorite thing during the holidays, and we passed them around. We set a budget of no more than $20.00 for all twelve gifts so that it didn't get outlandish. My favorite thing was to stay warm, so I gave a pair of Christmas socks with hot cocoa and Big Red gum. Some of the other gifts were cookie mix, potpourri, cookies, bracelets, lotion, hand made cards, gum, a Christmas CD, gloves, fuzzy socks, an ornament, a magnetic Christmas tablet, and a chocolate covered pretzel. Thanks again girls for the gifts and the craziest girls night ever!

Gabe was a child from Mexico for his Christmas play. He made the cutest little Mexican ever!He kept saying, "I'm a Mexico", which had us rolling all night. The theme was Children all around the world and for those of you who don't know his teacher Mrs. Di, she is amazing with children and the best teacher ever.

The program was so cute and Gabe acted out every little song so perfectly!

This was our sad little neighbor gift for Christmas. I know it's not a plate full of baked goods, but I couldn't find the time this year, sorry neighbors.

Next up is the Coon family cookie exchange at Aunt Sharla's house. We each baked two dozen of two different kinds of cookies. We ate cookies, drank hot cocoa, read a story about Christmas socks and Aunt Sharla had cute little socks for everyone to go along with the story. I made the Carmel Pecan and double chocolate mint cookies. Thanks to my friend Michelle for the yummy recipes, they were a hit.

A few days after the cookie exchange we had our third annual Christmas Eve party at my Aunt Cindy's house. Each year the family from Idaho get together and sing songs, eat soups (and other various goodies), and have a white elephant gift exchange. My aunt Bonnie and Pat usually make it every year thankfully, but my grandparents were such a good surprise this year. We got a new four generation picture with Finley included, which was my favorite part of the evening. We love you Grandma and Grandpa and it was so nice to see you, Bonnie, and Pat. Thank you for having it at your house Ken and Cindy, and for throwing it Jenn. It wouldn't be Christmas with out our little shindig.

Finally, Christmas Morning. We woke up early and opened presents. Each year gets more exciting than the last to watch the kids open there Christmas gifts. It looks like Santa made a stop at IKEA this year! Every year we have the same routine. We open presents then head over to my parents for Christmas Crepes.

My dad is the crepe king! Thanks daddy for the yummy crepes. Here is the best and most fattening syrup recipe ever. (It is to-die-for good!)

Empey's Killer Homemade Syrup
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cube butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract

Next we go to Chris's families for lunch, more presents, and some sledding.They have the perfect sized hills in their neighborhood for the kids.

The kids thought it was so cool that Grandma and Grandpa even went sledding!

Gabe and Chandler racing down the hill.

Me and the kids on a giant hill of snow if front of grandma and grandpa's house.

The kids playing at the park by the hills.

Chandler and Gabe with there cousin Chase.

Emma all bundled up.

Lauralee and Finley waiting their turn.

Thanks dad and Sandy for lunch, more presents, and the sledding adventure. It was the perfect Christmas afternoon and the kids had a blast.

I am so thankful for the birth of our savior and for his atoning sacrifice. I love Christmas for this reminder and I feel so blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I hope that you all had a beautiful Christmas and an even better New Year! Click on this link to hear one of my favorite songs.