Christmas favorites...

We really enjoyed Christmas this year. We were able to spend Christmas Eve with Kris's family, and tonight we spent the evening with my family. I am so thankful that Katie and Asher have the grandparents and Aunts and Uncles that they do. Katie's Christmas was all about Kit Kittredge and Karate this year...she got her very first ever "real" American Girl doll, and she has not let Kit leave her side since the moment these pictures were taken Christmas morning. It's like having another daughter (except Kit is very quiet!) I absolutely love seeing her love a doll so much...it brings back very fond memories of the dolls that Crystal and I got for Christmas every year. Our dolls were so tattered and crazy-haired by the time we grew up...we loved each one of them and played with them all of the time! Mom always made clothes for them, or a diaper bag. One year dad made doll beds, and they were so beautiful...I really wish I had one of them for Katie to use for Kit. Well, I better get some sleep. Merry Christmas!

Our weekend (and another Happy Birthday!)

My mom and dad stopped by to see us today. It was Mom's birthday, so Dad took us all out to lunch. Katie just loves seeing them...she doesn't get further than 1 centimeter away from Grandma anytime she's around!

We have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Katie had her school program and had 14 speaking lines--she did a great job--she was so animated and funny! Last weekend was her program at church-she looked so beautiful up there singing. Last week was her karate Christmas party, her school party, and her Caravan party---it was a party week, I tell ya! We are counting down the days until Christmas now...only 4 days to go! I've been trying to think about the real meaning of Christmas, but it's hard not to use this beautiful day as a great excuse to go crazy and spoil my children like crazy! I can't wait to see Katie's reaction to her "big" gift this year! I saw the statue above today, and it's on MY wish list...for someday...Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, and Thank you Lord!

Just a quick post to say, "Merry Christmas!" and Happy Birthday to our sweet boy, Bryce! Also, we want to thank God for his amazing works. Kris's dad had some heart problems last night, and the Lord carried him through...we are so thankful and feel so blessed that he always has us in his hands.

Christmas Goodies!

Oreo Truffles

1 bag of Oreos, crushed 1 package of cream cheese at room temperature
1 package of almond bark or your favorite melting chocolate
Blend crushed Oreos (-1/2 cup) and cream cheese, shape into 1 inch balls, refrigerate or freeze for 1 hour. Melt chocolate, dip balls in chocolate and cool on wax paper. Reserve ½ cup of finely crushed Oreos to sprinkle on top of balls if desired.

Peanut Butter Snow Balls

2 Cups Peanut Butter
2 Cups Rice Crispy cereal
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 T. butter, softened
1 package of almond bark or your favorite melting chocolate

Blend peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. Add cereal; mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls and place in freezer for 1 hour. Melt chocolate, dip balls in chocolate and cool on wax paper.

Ritz Truffles

2 sleeves of Ritz crackers, crushed
1 cup peanut butter
½ package of almond bark (white)

Mix crackers and peanut butter, shape into 1 inch balls, refrigerate or freeze for 1 hour. Melt bark, dip balls in bark and cool on wax paper. Drizzle with melted almond bark colored with red or green food coloring if desired.