December 21, 2011

Christmas Vacation Has Begun

Today is a half day of school.  Then my kiddos are out until January 3rd.  It's a Christmas gift to me in a sense that I can stay in my p.j's until noon and don't have to rush around finding shoes and socks and coats and gloves (I love that).  But then again, I have 8 extra hours to break up fights, clean up messes, bust boredom, and try not to go completely crazy:)
The excitement level is rapidly rising here and I feel that the kids can barely contain themselves.  I admit I am nearly bursting myself.  I can't wait to go visit my parents tomorrow and then return home for Christmas eve.  The Christmas preparations are finished and now it's time to sit back and enjoy the few days left.  Here are some photos of the things that are going on around here.

 Hense the excitement.  The tree is filling up quickly and the kids are besides themselves.  "Where will Santa put his gifts?"  they ask. 

 We have no where to eat.  The girls have taken over the kitchen table with their crafts.  I just cleaned up the huge mess of fabric, and glue, and notions they spread all over my bedroom floor.  Now they have moved to the dining room.  I wonder where they get it from?

 Making and baking.  This is my latest creation for the class parties I am doing for their classes.  I got the idea from Pinterest.  HO HO HO......

 Neighbor treats.  My DH makes a mean mix of homemade caramel popcorn and toffee. 

Last but not least, my friend Tara made me a very special gift.  It is Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus.  I love it so much.  Thanks Tara.  
In the mix of it all I wonder if I will have time to post again before the New Year!!!  I have a small blogging addiction......as many of you understand yourselves:)  I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year.  See ya in..... 2012........until next time.....


13 comments:

Susan At Glen Oaks Primitives said...

Steph, that is one cute Nativity! I love it. So much loot under that tree. Hope the floor doesn't fall in when Santa delivers.
You made me remember when my Ashley was little that I used to take the afternoon off on Wednesday
and Thursday/Friday as vacation days (except if Christmas was at the beginning of the week then it was the whole week) and we could bake cookies for Santa and make our crafts together.
I can't wait until I'm a gramma someday so that I can share those memories with both her and the little one.
Merry Christmas!

Angela said...

Steph, The excitment of all the children is so magical this time of year. My Darbee Rae is 4 and I have so enjoyed playing along with her Love the Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. So original. You are so far ahead of me. All those brightly wrapped packages. I have nothing wrapped. What am I waiting on?? Enjoy your visit to your Parents and I am wishing you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas
Angela

Traci~Moon Gypsy said...

Amen to the PJ's, Steph...I'm looking forward to the calm after the storm as well. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, from my family to yours...

Oh and I'm not done wrapping yet....Eeekkkk..

Blessings, Traci

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

I am loving the new nativity, very nice.....
'Have a holly, jolly Christmas.
It's the best time of the year!'
Many blessings to you and your sweet family....
~Linda~

annie said...

Ahhhh, the joys of Christmas break! Hope you get to enjoy every minute! Have a great one!
Merry Christmas!

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

Awww Christmas break ,a week of living in your jammas , those were the days ! lol So much to do so lil time , looks like you are all ready . Love the sweet nativity ! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! hugs lilraggedyangie

Green Creek Primitives said...

Hi Steph, Those santa cookies are just too adorable to eat. I love the nativity, it is so different. Enjoy having your kids at home, I really miss those days. I hope you and your family have a very blessed and happy Christmas. Vicky

Hillcresthome Prims said...

The Santa cookies look to great to eat!
Enjoy having the kiddos home and Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
tricia

Farmhouse prims said...

Love those Santa cookies, kids make Christmas so special. what awesome memories! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Hugs, Lecia

My Colonial Home said...

Hi Steph...you had me feeling your delight and your pain...lol
Oh what fun you are going to have this Christmas week.
What cute Santa cookies.
Merry Christmas
Karen

TheCrankyCrow said...

Holy smokes - looks like Santa already came to your house! Where IS he going to put his presents??? Adorable cookies - and love the shot of the girls' crafting mess....Yup - looks like the apples didn't fall far from the tree. Enjoy your family time....and wishing you everything bright and merry. Smiles & Christmas Hugs ~ Robin

Gettysburg Homestead said...

Those Santa cookies are just tooooo CUTE!!!!

Ha! that "mess" is mild compared to what I do!!! :)

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

Ah yes... the craziness the week before Christmas. Funny, my kids do the same thing about pulling out all the craft supplies, make a big mess then go find something else to do. They just hate cleaning it up but it keeps them from making a big mess again (for awhile anyway). It is fun though to watch them create.

I remember seeing the cute little Santa cookies on Pinterest. Yours turned out adorable!! Homemade caramel popcorn and toffee? Yum! Wish I was your neighbor. Tara's little nativity is darling! I have seen those on Pinterest also but this is much cuter than the ones I've been seeing.

Fun post Steph! I enjoyed seeing what all you've been up to. =]