Christmas Eve Cookies

Benjamin and I decorated our traditional cookies for Santa. I ran out of time, this year, and we baked "break apart" sugar cookies. However, we still had a great time. And, Santa loved them...He even left a thank you note.

The cookie bakers.

The serious cookie decorator.
Our "b" cookie for Benjamin.

Santa's Cookies

Our new friend, "Twinkles"...

While at Big Cedar Lodge, last weekend, this sweet Elf came by for a visit. Her name is "Twinkles". Georgia-Kate and Benjamin adored her. She brought each of them a stocking full of goodies. {of course, she charged our room for the treats...haha} She asked all about their Christmas wishes and then read a book with them. She was adorable. The "elf tuck in" at Big Cedar is one of our favorite traditions of the Holidays.
{Georgia-Kate nearly fell asleep while she waited for the Elf.}

{My sweet boy.}
Sweet pajamas...

My next post is #200....I'm thinking about a give-away. It will be my first!

Santa's Party

Over the weekend, we celebrated my birthday with some time away at Big Cedar Lodge. We had such a crazy week and we enjoyed some much needed rest. Saturday afternoon, we went to see Santa. He was having a party!

Photos with Santa:
Cookies!

Santa's gift...he gave each child an Etch-a-Setch.

Family Photo.

We are still counting down...

So....Here is our Advert Calendar....

And we love it...{or at least I do}. Georgia-Kate loves the "Smarties" that she enjoys each day as Benjamin counts down the days. I hung it in the breakfast room. Benjamin asks everyday at lunch "Time to count another day?"I had a great time making it. It was a little more time consuming than I planned...but, it was well worth it. I found my inspiration at Garnet Hill. {Love that website}....Check it out here.
I found the buckets at Wal-Mart and went to work. I made tags {on my cricut machine} for each day's number. I used several different ribbons and tied the buckets together--to get this:

Toys for Tots...

Yesterday afternoon, we went a local Toys for Tots drop off. My mom bought toys and invited us to come along. Benjamin and Georgia-Kate really enjoyed it. I was so proud. They both dropped the gifts without any selfish words or tears. My brother, sister and I have been blessed by parents who model true giving. They have always and still share with others. Thank you, Mom, for continuing to be a great model for my children. Benjamin really understood that some children don't received many gifts at Christmas. May we all remember those who have less than we do, this holiday season. It doesn't have to be much...but isn't really better to give than receive?!

Counting down the days...

I love to decorate for Christmas...and we don't have an Advent Calendar. I kinda want to make one....So, I went out looking for inspiration. I think the kids would really enjoy it. I am not even sure what I would hide inside. So, I need some help....

I L.O.V.E this mitten and hat advent. (Garnet Hill.)

I really like the look of this tree. {Pottery Barn}

Isn't this so cute?! {Pottery Barn Kids}

And...these little buckets...may be my favorite. {Garnet Hill}

Which is your favorite?

Does your family have an Advent Calendar?

Do you have any special treasures that you place inside?