It's Christmas!

It's time for our annual Peppermint Street Caroling party.

We start at our house, sing throughout the neighborhood,

and end at the Hallmark's for treats and catching up with friends and neighbors.

We had quite a good group to spread good holiday cheer.

It's time also for our annual Christmas Pageant.

The kids completely did the costumes and parts all on their own.

Paige was the angel, Christian and Brent shepherds, and Ashlyn a cow (would the boys then be called cowherds?)

The older girls, Madison, Gwen, and Darby were the wise men, and Brooke was Joseph with Kate as Mary, kind of.

Here's the cast and crew! Great show everyone!

Merry Christmas!!

All the Fun of Christmas Night

The Norris Family traditionally gathers on Christmas night to feast upon good food, good company, and good gifts.

Chris and Tommie graciously hosted again this year (thanks!) and as always, was a delightful and beautiful affair.

Mom, Andrea with Taylor, me, Tommie . . . chillin' in the kitchen before dinner.

Bird's-eye view of family lining the walls.

Beautiful grandma Carol came all the way from Indiana.

Mom and Dad, ready to receive a hug from CJ.

Ashlyn showing off her new tutu from grandma Gloria and her hand-made scarf from Auntie Cyndi.

Domonique, me, and my cute baby niece Mackenzie.

(loved her Santa dress and hat!)

Renee and I were the sickies - relaxing on the couch for most of the evening.

Ashlyn wanted to wear the tutu home. We think it's tutu cute!

Christmas Morning - What Did Santa Bring?

Good Morning Everyone!

The kids slept in until 7:30 a.m. and were so patient, yet eager to get downstairs.

Going through the loot. Santa left some good stuff: Cuties, a bit of candy, Pop Rocks (candy cane flavored!), gum, socks, Mad Libs, lip gloss and head bands for the girls, and a Bakugan for Christian.

"Mine has a note!! What does it say?"

"Look in the backyard!"

High -pitched screams and squeals ensue . . .

We all got in on the action, frozen feet and all!

Then the guys took a break for a minute to spot a remnant of Santa's trail . . . a bit if jet stream left in the sky from the night before.

Now that we're all jumped out, fed a fun Christmasy breakfast, let's resume the present-opening festivities.

Christian is so sweet and made Brooke this cute magnet paper holder.

WooHoo! Trampoline ball! A sure-hit find when we were at FAO Schwarz.

Ashlyn loved her very own book about her: I made her a baby book (finally!) of her first year.

[iphoto makes it so easy!]

Ashlyn's first American Girl Doll - a little Kit Kitridge. She's in love! She carried it around with her all day.

YUM!!! Now to enjoy some Frrrozen Hot Chocolate - Madison's gift to Brooke

all the way from NYC.

Favorite quotes of the day:

"This is the best Christmas ever!"

"Am I dreaming?"

You Better Watch Out . . .

Santa Claus is coming to town!!

The Hallmark Family Santa Party was Friday night, which is always a treat because we get to be up close and personal with the real Santa, not just one of his helpers. Santa puts on a little show with songs, a story, and a question/answer session. I was proud of Madison this year, she raised her hand and asked not one, but two separate questions. Santa then always explains the real reason for the season and essentially bears his testimony of Jesus Christ. It is refreshing indeed!

Ashlyn was another surprise this year, she warmed up to Santa and sat on his lap and even asked him for something (she whispered bubble gum). This may just be the last year the Hallmarks do this Santa party (their kids are 5th and 7th grade), so we are grateful that we were able to participate.

Rewind four years . . . Brooke was too afraid to sit on his lap and Santa would go out of his way to bring her his gift and get a picture with her.

We even skipped out on our ward party - which was a big deal being the first party with our new ward. I made a roast and cookies, dropped it off before the Santa party, then we went back to the ward party at the end to 'make and appearance' and pick up my crock pot. I must say, it was probably the most well-attended party we've seen in a long time. It's nice to finally have a full and big ward.

Madison four years ago. Stop growing I say!!

Winter Wonderland

It's lookin' a lot like Christmas 'round these parts.

It was wonderful to have GG and Dale here to help with the decorations. We sure miss them.

The kids' tree on the porch is all up to them.

And now in Sunny So Cal it is winter! The temps are in the 50s during the day

and yesterday's rain brought snow-capped mountains. Beautiful!

Ashlyn took this picture this afternoon with my phone. We were taking Cole for a walk in the hills of my neighborhood. This is atop Cole's favorite hill he races down at lightning speed before returning to us to be leashed again.

Nativity Tour

I love to decorate with nativity scenes . . . they kind of emphasize the whole

point of 'the holidays' anyway, right?

This beautiful set we picked up on our Honeymoon in Cozumel. 

It stays up and out of reach!

This is one of my first homemade numbers from a Super Saturday 

ages ago.  The kids love to play with it and it's pretty sturdy.  It's actually now on the floor in the family room where it can be played with.

I love my front porch set.

I won this set from the table raffle at the California Utah Women's Boutique luncheon

at the Disneyland Hotel

My friend Kim gave us this set - it is darling and another favorite of the kids.  

I'm amazed that nothing has gotten broken on it yet. **update:  spoke too soon . . . poor Joseph's staff got broken yesterday.  Hopefully nothing a dab of glue can't fix**

I made these little guys years ago and they adorn a picture shelf in the entry way.

I love how Fisher-Price made a nativity.  It's so adorable and is in our play room.

Our bishopric gave us this framed picture this year.  I love it and put it in the downstairs bathroom - the one room that was missing a nativity scene!

Another home-made craft that was a gift to me.

Heather made this advent calendar for us years ago.  It is a family favorite and hangs on the closet door in our family room every year.  The kids never need to be asked or reminded to put up the day's item - they just do it every morning and look forward to it.  The details with the sequins and fabrics and stitching are incredible.  It is definitely a treasure!  Thanks Heather!!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

It's time for the annual Santa party hosted by our good friends, the Hallmarks. 

Everyone thoroughly looks forward to this, and unfortunately, Madison had another party that she committed to, so was unable to attend.  But Santa didn't forget her - he had a gift for her in his giant sack.

Ashlyn couldn't get enough of my friend's baby.  

** All I Want for Christmas are My Two Front Teeth **

Ashlyn was intimidated, but by the time Santa called her name, she was brave enough to go get her gift.  All she has asked for is "pink yiptick"

Christian had a great time and asked for a Star Wars Transformer . . . 

Santa is truly magical and usually comes through perfectly!

Santa tells his story, and also the story of Christmas, sings songs, and takes questions.  He asked Christian to come take a 'sleigh ride' with him . . .