Nativity

Yes, I know, Christmas is over. But I love my house filled with Christmas decorations. I love the tree, the lights in the windows, the stockings on the mantel. I am always reluctant when New Years arrives and I feel that pressure to put everything away. I think - maybe if I leave everything up just a little longer, those great feelings of Christmas will continue.

Well, today Christmas is officially over at the Davidson's. I am determined to take everything down, get everything put away, tidy up and move on to the new year.

2009 was the year of the Nativity. We have several new nativity sets at our house and I have really enjoyed them this year. I thought I'd share some with you. Santa brought this one to Izzy. It saw lots of playtime from all of the girls and has quickly become a favorite...

This Mama says... nativity collection came from my Mom. Each person received a different piece for their Christmas gift. I thought it was a great gift idea and we all love our own special part of the nativity.

This was a new nativity set I purchased at an after Thanksgiving day sale. I love the pastel colors and the silver trim. The figures are quite tall and have a beautiful form.

This special nativity was a gift from Aunt Betsy back when Hannah was a baby. It is hand made and so special. The figures have seen lots of love over the years. That's why the shepherd girl doesn't have any hair, the baby Jesus isn't wrapped up quite right and bits and pieces of the clothing has gone missing or been interchanged. It has been well loved and well used. Thank you Betsy!

And finally, the classic Willow Tree nativity. This was our first real nativity set and I still love it.

Christmas in Sandpoint

We had a wonderful Christmas at home this year. I thought I'd share some photos from our day.

Last night the girls decorated sugar cookies for Santa. I'd say there is plenty of sugar on that plate to fuel him for a whole night of sleigh riding and gift delivering, wouldn't you?

Can you tell what the favorite gift was?

Wasn't it thoughtful for Santa to bring this gift for Izzy? Pretty soon, I'll have her trained to do all of the housework. There is always that one gift that takes a minute to appreciate... And then there were the panties from Mom & Dad. Izzy talked Kirk into putting on four pair before he finally said no (the phrase 'wrapped around her finger' comes to mind). She wouldn't take them off for most of the morning. Maybe someday she'll wear them on the inside (we hope before kindergarten). We began and ended Christmas with a little sugar. My favorite cake - Chocolate Peppermint Torte. Delicious (if I do say so myself).

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

Christmas Eve

What could be better than skiing with your sisters

on Christmas Eve?...

Skiing with Santa and his helpers, of course!

Caroling

Last night the girls hosted a caroling party for their friends.

They sang their favorite Christmas carols to our favorite neighbors.

Then came inside for some hot cocoa and cookies.

...and some whipped cream (thanks Kirk!).

Just two days till Christmas!

Christmas Break

It is DAY 1 of Christmas break. It was sure nice not to get everyone ready and off to school this morning. We had a nice breakfast then did all of our chores. Then it was off to the dollar store for the girls to do some last minute shopping. We also stopped by the library for some books and DVDs to keep everyone busy these next few weeks. This afternoon's activities... making cookies! Only 5 more days to Christmas (well, 4 1/2 according to Hannah)!

Merry Christmas!

Little Helper

Izzy is my little helper. As soon as she even thinks I might be mixing or baking, she immediately scoots a chair up to the counter and demands to participate. Her favorite job is to mix. Although she also likes to pour and measure. She's not really much help right now. And sometimes she is downright in the way. But I hope in a few years she will still be happy to stand beside me in the kitchen and help out.