Guest Post: Healthy Christmas Snack

It's old news that I am definitely one to take advantage of any chance I get to play with my food. ;) I've seen fruit and vegetable Christmas trees before, served at holiday parties, and they're always a big hit. But I thought, why not make a simple version that my little boy could take part in making? We did it, and as I had hoped, it was a hit--even for our little party of 2! I shared the details over on my lovely friend Lindsay's blog, here! Deer Lindsay is such a charming spot in blogland...take a look and try not to smile at the gorgeous photos of her sweet family, and her beautiful and honest words that accompany them. xo

Brooks was pretty proud. :)

Guest Post: DIY Paper Fan Photo Ornaments

I shared a Christmas-y post over at Whipperberry! Anyone still doing Christmas crafting? I think I'll be doing it all month and I'm okay with that. :) Go here to see how I made our Paper Fan Photo Ornaments. I'm excited to make a few more each year and collect cherished, winter memories.xo

2012 Christmas Card

^^ front ^^

^^ inside ^^

For journaling sake...our Christmas card. I love Christmas and holiday cards, both sending (still need to get some out!) and receiving them. The ones we've got from our wonderful family and friends will stay up through my birthday in January, at the earliest. ;)

A Wonderful Christmas: 2012

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (and Sunday with Rudolph pancakes for breakfast, thanks to my sister Natalie for the fun idea!) were pretty wonderful. Christmas Eve we were all still a bit sick (even though you probably wouldn't have guessed with those smiles, those kids know how to be chipper even when they're feeling crummy) but it was surprisingly nice because we hunkered down at home, all cozy just the four of us. We had a sweet night enjoying chicken noodle soup, the kids playing by the Christmas tree, and Adam and I laughing while trying to throw clementine pieces into eachothers' mouths from across the room. ;)

The next morning we were so excited for the littles to open up their gifts. We introduced Brooks to Santa a few times this year, and even though he didn't understand what jolly old St. Nick does, Santa still came with a few goods for him and his sister! :) Trucks, a train, and a book for our little man, and   a book and puzzle for our little lady (her first Christmas!)...they were happy campers. And so were Adam and I! I got Adam a hot air ballon ride (he originally planned it on our honeymoon but the weather didn't cooperate) and we're so excited to fly high this spring! And Adam spoiled me with certificates for boots and couples massages (yessssss) and my favorite...he printed and framed our family mission statement we started months ago but never finished. It is perfect. Love it, and love that man.

After french toast and an afternoon of snuggling up to a movie, we headed out into the gorgeous snow to Mama and Papa Kjar's home for a lovely Christmas Feast. We filled our bellies and sang Christmas carols...while Brooks and Ashton chased each other and played trucks. :) And we ended the night with a couple rousing games of Clue. Love that family!

We talked to my parents in Washington and they told us they were able to Skype with Corrie in Chile!! Equally happy and jealous. ;) We sure miss them but they're coming to visit after New Years and we can hardly wait.

Hope everyone had a magical Christmas!

May all your Christmases be whi-i-i-ite...

I shared this video two years ago...it was taken three years ago, when our little Brooks was in my belly and my family was at our home for Christmas. SUCH good memories! And seeing as my sister Corrie (she and I made up this little duet) is in Chile serving her mission and I miss her like crazy, I have watched it, and laughed at us, three times already today. Enjoy some festive lip-syncing by two of the goofiest sisters on the planet. Next time Natalie and Celeste will join to make it a quartet!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

The greatest Love story ever told...

In a world full of varying religions and beautiful faiths, rich with culture and different beliefs, I love how the holidays this time of year bring us together to count our blessings and try to give and reach out to each other after being so blessed. Some are blessed with physical things, but more importantly, blessed to be surrounded by people we love and care about so much. We are praying for those who don't have their loved ones with them this Christmas.

Celebrating Christmas this year, our family has loved thinking about the birth of our Savior. Reading scriptures from our advent with Brooks, missing some days, but catching up and reading more than one story some days, has been such a sweet experience. Adam and I have talked about various parts of Christ's birth and how Heavenly Father's hand was in every part of it. It really is an incredible miracle...a loving Heavenly Father sending His Son in the most humble circumstances, who willingly served His children and set the ultimate example of Love in its purest form. It really is the greatest love story ever told. 

I wanted to share the video above...the beautiful music paired with the depictions of Christ's life is breath taking. I've watched it nearly 10 times this last week, Brooks too (along with another 20, just having the music play) and at about 3:25, I can't help but have tears come to my eyes. If you watch it, I hope you feel of His love. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. :)

Nostalgic Oranges

I can remember making clove-studded oranges many Christmases growing up. As a family we'd decorate our oranges in creative designs with our cloves, and then put them in the middle of plates filled with sweets (now I'm craving chocolate-covered pretzels and banana bread) that we'd deliver to neighbors and friends. Today I made some and the citrus/spice scent was oh-so nostalgic...I could barely smell it because I'm so congested (we've got a sick house over here) but it made me happy. The rest of our day hasn't been nearly as productive as it was supposed to...we pretty much been drinking tea and watered-down hot cocoa, watching 'Finding "Meemo"', blowing our noses constantly, and now the littles are asleep and I'm about to join them. Thank goodness my favorite chicken noodle soup is on the menu for tonight.

And just 3 more sleeps 'til Christmas!

Bits & Pieces of our Christmas Time

Christmas is...

watching our boy play with the Japanese Nativity // baking sugar cookies // wearing cozy PJs all day // cutting and hanging snowflakes // decorating "gingerbread" houses at Grandma and Grandpa Kjar's // decorating our tree // Christmas cards // sweet kisses while looking at Christmas lights // stockings hung // chocolate and scripture advent // hot cocoa every day, followed by hot cocoa mustaches // staying up late to eat sweets // mistletoe // smiles from someone who's about to enjoy her first Christmas // a natural-esque wreath on our front door // making little gifts for neighbors and friends // Baby Jesus in the manger by our tree to remind us the reason for the season.