The great Blizzard of 2010

So thats what they called it anyways.  I think the worse one for 2010 was back in March, but whatever!  LOL.  So a day after Chrsitmas we get this horrible snow storm.  It only poured a totaly of 22 inches here, bt I heard it was worse in other cities!  The next day we lost power for 10 hours.  It was actually nice, if that can be?  It is amazing at how much less stress there is when there is no power.  I think I want to go powerless a few nights out of the month, every month!  LOL!  We pioneered a meal, and kids ate every bite!  GO MOM!!!  I did get some pics, they are dark, and some might be a bit blurry, but enjoy!

Holiday Ball!!!

YAY!  I got to go to my first military ball, and it was so much fun!  It was held at a very elegant place, and the food divine!  The music could have been better, but eh, who cares right!  We were surrounded by great company as well! 

We took some pics of our friends we were there with too!  We all looked so SMASHING!

The Damas'

The Parker's...  I know gorgeous right?

the Prewitt's

The DesOrmeux's

Us again!

our table

Mayra, Me, and Wendy

Amanda and Wendy

Amanda, Me, Kristina, and Wendy

Aren't we the cutest you have ever saw!  :)  It was very much fun, and I can't wait to do it again next year!



Christmas at Jason's house as well!!!

We got to visit With Jason and the family at his house in PA.  I am so proud of them for what they have overcome, and what they have made for themselves.  I got pictures of the kids opening thier gifts with us!  I am so glad they enjoyed the gifts the Parker's gave them!  :)  Here are the many pictures form that adventure!  I might even post more later, I think Ashley got some on her camera too! 

Christmas here and Christmas there....

We remembered Christ and that without him there wouldn't be a holiday.  We spent Christmas eve over at the Castles eating potato Chowder, Bread Bowls, and Cheesecake.  We ended the night with the movie "Joy to the World".  It is a video about the birth of Christ.  We have a tradition usually where we put out a manger one week before Christmas.  As the kids do good deeds in that week, they get to put a handful of hay into the manger.  The theory is, that the more good deeds (being Christlike) they do the more comfortable the bed will be for Christ on Christmas Eve.  When Chrsitmas Eve comes, and the kids go to bed, We put a baby wraped in towels in the manger, so that Christmas Day when they wake up they see what a comfy cozy bed they made for baby Jesus.  Plus it helps remind them before the tear into the gifts to think about Christ on his birthday. 
     So we spent our Christmas morning as a family as always, I made them eat breakfast, get dressed, and then well..  Of course pictures!  They gladly set for the pictures!

 After pictures The kids with such glee found a heap of presents under the tree!  This is what the woke up to....

This was the mess that happened after!!! 

 And of course it comes with being a parent, putting things together and taking ohters out of packages.  My fingers still hurt from all those pain in the butt wire ties.  Why do they put them on there anyways?  Really? 

The kids really enjoyed the Chrsitmas Season this year!  They got everything they asked for plus some!  Plus points for mommy and daddy....  I mean Santa Clause!!  LOL!

Cookies with Santa?

Since I am a key person in the FRG, I do all the planning. One of the family events I planned for this holiday season was a Cookies with Santa Social. I got the Santa, and the cookies, adn then just had to get RSVP's. When all the list were checked, The day had arrived. Everyone was so excited! mommy was away int he kitchen baking cookies, and the kiddos were excitedly awaiting the Santa. Our guest started to arrive to a cookie table that looks like this:

We had card making and had them all sign a family ornament that they got to take with them! 

After all the cards were made, most of the kids gave thiers to Santa when he got here, we had a story.  Will read T'was the Night Before Christmas tot he group.  

I think the kids really enjoyed it!  Atleast the ones who stayed still!  LOL!  It was tiem for Santa to come, so the kids all lined up, and Our elves came over with thier boxes from santa.  One with candy and candy canes, the other with small toys. 

My elf!!!

 

Dade and one of his best friends Shayden

Ty-Austin with Santa

Neveah with Santa

Aiden with Santa

Dade with Santa

Gavin with Santa

Ashley...  She is so cute!



It was a great night, and it was so nice to spend it with friends!  I am so thankful for the friends we have made here!