Best. Christmas. Ever.

This Christmas was definitely a little chaotic. But I consider it our best Christmas ever. (so far, of course.)

Because the kids took such care in making and selecting their cookies for Santa. And because I got to watch them anticipate the magic of Christmas in a way that only a child can.

Because they posed in their new Christmas jammies. (And because this year I think we got the cutest ones yet!)

Because we were blessed with an abundance of loot. :) And because it helped wile away the last days of pregnancy by choosing the best wrapping paper and eagerly anticipating the kids' reactions to all the gifts we chose just for them.

Because we could take time to sit down and remind ourselves of the real reason behind Christmas. And because it's such a powerful story - I can read it to the kids all year long and remind them that although Santa's a lot of fun, Jesus changed the world that night!

Because we got new matching Christmas stockings for the kids this year. (see Hosanna's peeking out behind the Spud?) And because I got to see the simple joy on my kids' faces as they pulled out Christmasy chapsticks and "grown-up" electric toothbrushes.

Because, this year, the Spud really "got it." He ripped into each present with great excitement, screeching what it was at the top of his lungs. Because he was the first to check to be sure that Santa had eaten his cookies and drunk his Pepsi.

Because my sweet girl showed genuine appreciation for each gift. ( and took this cute little fellow to bed with her that night!)

Because my kids spent the entire day experimenting with their new toys, taking baths so they could try out their new bath sets, and cheerfully playing together. Those are picture-worthy moments!

But, most of all, because we received the best Christmas present of all this year - the present of a new family member, who just so happens to be cute as a button. We are all thrilled with this gift and thank God that He saw fit to bless us with such a wonderful bundle of joy.

Christmas 2011 was a blessed day for us! I hope your Christmas was equally full of joyful memories!

A Few Glimpses

into our joyous Christmas celebration:

the Spud bringing his cookie to Santa's plate

reading Luke 2

special treats from my parents to the Nerd - he better hold on to those tight!

amused by all the crocheted fruits and veggies

a dollar-store Wall-E puzzle creates great joy

the Spud is ecstatic to get anything Little Einsteins, especially Rocket!

broke out the new Hungry Hungry Hippos game

The Drama Queen immediately tries out her new scooter

the Beast stands solemnly on his new scooter, waiting for action

big hit among all three kids - pedal-giraffe. I think I need exercise equipment more than they do!

just like Mommy, and now she has her own art desk!

awww sweet baby dolly!

many more moments like these, but maybe I was just enjoying it too much to pull out the camera. :)

A Few of My Favorite Things

Hooray! December is officially here! We now get to put up our special advent calendar and start counting down the days to Christmas!

This fantastic calendar was made for our family by my husband's grandma. She is so talented! All of the nativity pieces attach with velcro to each day on the calendar. The kiddies get to take turns placing angels, palm trees, sheep, wise men, etc. in the nativity scene until we reach day 25. Then we get to place baby Jesus in the manger and talk about the most wonderful reason that we celebrate Christmas. I know that this will be something we keep and treasure for many years to come! It's just one of my favorite things!

And speaking of favorite things, I determined that this year I would shop Etsy for some of the kiddies' Christmas presents and find some incredible handmade things. I particularly looked for handmade play food, as my offspring are budding little chefs that love to mix and stir and chop and bake. The plastic stuff you can get at toy stores has literally been gnawed to pieces by my eager young cooks! I needed something more substantial, and of course way more adorable:

I got this set of sturdy crocheted veggies and fruits made by a fellow stay-at-home momma that runs her shop While You Sleep I Crochet. I can't wait to see what clever little recipes my kiddies will come up with as they play with these cute fruits and veggies!

Of course, I had to balance out all those healthy veggies and fruits with some bona fide junk food! This sewn felt food set, which includes a frosted donut, a hamburger with all the fixings, a corn dog with mustard, a pizza, and bowtie pasta with sauce and meatballs, was created by the owner of Blue Star Jewelry. Hope you're not getting too hungry!

Isn't this felt cookie counting set just too cute for words? Each frosted felt cookie has an embroidered number and is nicely padded. The whole set comes inside a drawstring bag (you get to choose the fabric!) which is personalized. (a great touch!) Heart Felt Crafts made this set, and I just saw that they now offer a felt fish counting set as well. :)

I mentioned these lovely leg warmers in an earlier post (the Drama Queen's pirate costume). Unfortunately the day I posted it, Mama Runs With Scissors was on vacation. This ultra-talented seamstress makes these great Kool Kid Legs that can be worn as leg warmers or as "sleeves" under a short-sleeve shirt. She has tons of designs for both boys and girls. The Drama Queen especially loves her rainbow set, and I just love the clever Converse sneaker ones as well.

Finally, I couldn't help but browse a little the other day for a possible birthday present for myself. :) I stumbled upon The Factory and fell in love with this sweet pink birds' nest necklace with three little pearly eggs to represent my three little ones. The necklace arrived in a lovely handmade box (I just adore the vintage children paper!) just a few days after I ordered it. Happy Birthday to Me! (well, tomorrow, anyway! Ill take my time and enjoy my last day of being 29!)

So, I encourage you to buy handmade this Christmas! You will find beautiful quality gifts and sellers that will give you incredible customer service! Visit Etsy today.