Christmas rounds

This Christmas year was a blast!  Our little family made rounds with our relatives.  We started at my parents on Christmas Eve (my siblings with our families).  My brother Neil and his family lives in the Philippines and weren't able to come over for the holidays but we had a conference call ... so most of the grand kids (parent's side) were there.  The little cousins had a great time playing together and of course opening presents.  Then Christmas morning we had our own little family time.  The kids woke up to open presents from Santa and chill for a little while ...for we had a full day ahead!  By the afternoon, we went to celebrate with my mom's side of the family.  This year Rischl hosted the get-together.  As usual there was tons of family, food, presents, and laughs!  Finally in the evening we headed over to my in-laws.  More food, presents, and fun (my camera battery died so no pictures)!!  By the end of the night, the kids had 3 trunk full of toys!!

We love our families!!

BTW:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Cookies for Santa

(Before)

... and celery sticks for Rudolf (more carrots and celery sticks for the rest of the gang at the front yard). 

Well, Christmas celebration has already begun.  We had the traditional Christmas Eve family get-together at my parents.  Tons of food, presents, and fun!  I'll post pictures of those later.

(After)

Looks like Santa came by already!  And oh boy is she, I mean he, full!  :)

Merry Christmas everyone!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER JESUS!!!

Do you have room? ..for Jesus

This morning I went to my Relief Society's Christmas Brunch and Cookie Exchange.  I had such a lovely time.  The program was inspiritual and a great kick off for this Christmas season.  I especially enjoyed the video they showed and I found it on YouTube so here it is for you to enjoy as well. 

Do You Have Room? by Shawna Edwards

"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus."

Neal A. Maxwell

Christmas in our hearts

The following is the song that my friends and I will sing tomorrow for our ward (church) Christmas party. It's a beautiful ballad composed by a Chinese Filipino. Don't worry, it's in English! Anyway, at first I had a rough time singing through the chorus without crying! I thought, I better back out 'cause that's not going to be a pretty sight for the group. But, on the second day (yesterday) I was alright and today as well, so I should be OK tomorrow. Well, hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!!

December Memories

The following are some captured moments I didn't get to blog about so here they are:

DAVID WITH RC ALBERTSON SANTA

MY CHRISTMAS DECORATING HELPERS:

TREATS FROM OUR NEIGHBOR, DR. & MRS. G:

FOR THOSE I VISIT TEACH & NEIGHBORS, I MADE EGG ROLLS

DAVE BRINGS HOME SNOW FOR THE KIDS:

CHRISTMAS EVE AT LOLA & LOLO (GRAND KIDS, MINUS NEIL'S BOYS)

GIFTS FROM SANTA

THIS IS COOL!

I LOVE MY CHONIES!

THIS IS WHAT I GOT AT COUSINS' GIFT EXCHANGE (HAD TO BE HANDMADE)

THANKS RICHIE!

The Reason For The Season

Christmas Portraits

These were taken just over two weeks ago and what an experience! I had their change of clothes in the trunk of my car ready to go should the opportunity arise. That day was finally it! Of course, there were obstacles. First, we caught them on a break so we had to wait an hour, so we browsed in the store. When they finally got back, there was an appointment ahead of us so we had to wait for them to finish ... close to another hour later. In the meantime, I dressed them up with the usual struggle! Sophia being her usual self was restless and nosy --getting into things. David whined, "Is it our turn yet?". Steven was good through the whole thing! Then finally our turn. More wiggles there and another set of change of clothes. It was a long four hours but glad that I made it time this year. Wheww!

Merry Christmas everyone!