We have made some BIG changes at our house this past year with the change in the economy. At first it was hard, not being able to go out when we wanted, only buying what we needed. It took a lot of discipline, but we are making it. With Christmas coming, Bryan and I spent a lot of time deciding what we were going to do for the kids. Again, at first, it was hard not being able to go get everything they were wanting. But with the events of the past few weeks, I have had a BIG change of heart. We started some new things with the kids.
We got together with some GREAT friends and made gingerbread houses. The kids LOVED it. 
Oakleigh LOVED the sprinkles. They were all over my floor!!
Oakleigh LOVED the sprinkles. They were all over my floor!!
Infact, she used them as shakers when we were singing Jingle Bells. Very Cute!!!
The kids did their own ginger bread houses. Messy but fun!!
The kids did their own ginger bread houses. Messy but fun!!
This year, we had Bryan's family Christmas party at our house. Now that we have the room!!! I decided to do something a little different this year. Instead of the adults exchanging names, I talked to my Bishop and he gave me the names of a couple of families in our ward who are struggling. One of the families was an older couple, the other a young couple in the process of adopting a 3 year old little boy. I decided to put together a box of food, everything you would need for a Christmas dinner!! Each family brought something for the box. Then, we each got something small for the little boy. The night of the party, we put everything in the boxes, loaded up in the cars, and delivered the gifts and some music!!! (We sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas") The kids LOVED it, and I......CRIED like a baby!! :) The kids talked about it all night. They said how much they enjoyed it and hope we can do it again next year. 
We then went back to our house, had dinner, and a fun visit from Santa!!
We then went back to our house, had dinner, and a fun visit from Santa!!
The kids sat on his lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas. Oakleigh........well.......she didn't want to sit on his lap. She would talk to him as long as I was holding her, and not standing close to him!! 
We finished the night with singing some Christmas songs,
We finished the night with singing some Christmas songs,
and some Christmas music from a few of our newest piano players.
I have decided that there is nothing wrong with a small Christmas. And next year, hoping that the economy is looking better, we will still do a small Christmas. This will definitely be a Christmas to remember. I have LOVED the spirit that has been in my home this Holiday Season.
From Our Home to Yours:
We Wish You A VERY Merry Christmas And The Best New Year!!
