Christmas with Grandma

Friday we packed up all the kids and headed to Grandma's. The kids complained more this trip then I think they ever have. The funny thing is they can ride for 12 hours going to Texas and not complain that much. We made it to Grandma's house around 6:30 that night and the kids got to open their gifts. Elizabeth was so excited that Uncle Daniel gave her an Elmo. She kept walking around saying, " I got Elmo". It was so cute.

Saturday we decided to visit the rest of the family. They all live with in walking distance of Grandma's. Several had gone out of town or were heading out the next day so we decided to take the kids to the park in Foley. Every year at the park they set up a Christmas village with a HUGE Christmas tree and little houses to look in.

The kids had a great time going from house to house looking in the windows. After a fun afternoon we went back to Grandma's where the twins had fun running around her house.

Christmas

Christmas Eve I took Mark & Caitlin over to my friend Jennifer's house. The kids had a great time playing and making crafts with Morgan. We ended up making 4 crafts that day. When we got home the kids made sure that Daddy had the Santa tracker up on his computer. They even went to bed early so that Santa could come.









Christmas day I was awakened by George telling me that the big kids were bouncing at the top of the stairs wanting to go down and open presents. We only let them play with Santa's gifts while waiting on my parents to arrive. As usual my Dad fixed his yummy cream sauce. After breakfast the kids enjoyed opening their presents under the tree. This year we cut back on how many gifts they received but the kids didn't mind.


We stayed home all day and enjoyed a nice lunch of finger foods. We decided to keep it simple since we were headed out of town on Friday.

Holiday Happenings

Since I haven't updated since Tuesday I thought I would catch you up on what has been happening with the Jones Clan.

Wednesday was Caitlin's class Christmas party at school. I missed most of it because I had to take the twins to the doctor.(Both have ear infections) They had pizza and cupcakes for lunch, then exchanged gifts which were books they brought. Mrs. Laney and Mrs. Holt gave each child a teddy bear. After the party she was able to leave with me. That night we decided to take a group picture of the kids for our Christmas cards. Let me tell that was a chore all on its own. John was not a happy camper but you wouldn't be able to tell by how the picture turned out.

Thursday night was the Christmas program at Caitlin's school. Mrs. Audrey had all the girls dressed as angels and the boys as shepherds. My big girl had two solos. One was "Silent Night" and the other was "Chatter with the Angels". It may be just me but I think my baby did an excellent job on both.

Friday was Caitlin's last day of school before Christmas so they had a pajama party. Caitlin looked so cute in her ballerina pajamas with matching house shoes and headband.

Saturday Elsie, one of my best friends, agreed to keep the kids while George and I finished our Christmas shopping. It was crazy in Wal-Mart but when we got to the registers we were able to check right out. After shopping we went back to Elsie's so George could work on her computer and I could catch up some with her.

Sunday we had a beautiful Candle light service.

Dance

Tonight was Caitlin's last day of dance until January. The girls practiced for a few minutes with Mrs. Shalita and Ms. Holly before the parents were called in to watch the girls dance. I was very amazed at how well they did after only a few months of lessons. My little ballerina made me so proud to watch her. I can't wait to see the recital in May. Thanks Mrs. Shalita and Ms. Holly for all your hard work.

Christmas Baking

Tonight I decided to start our Christmas baking and I let the big kids help me. The plan is to use our goodies for Christmas gifts this year for the kid's teachers. Well tonight we were only able to make one thing so we still have a long way to go.

Well tonight's adventure was to make Strawberry Cake Balls. We still have to dip them in chocolate and then they are ready to enjoy. Thanks Missy for the recipe!

Christmas Musical

Today was the Children's Choir Musical at church. The kids have been preparing for weeks for this special Sunday morning. They had an extra practice yesterday morning and another one this
morning before they sang in front of the church. Ms. Jane did an excellent job of writing this year's Christmas Musical and Ms. Shalita taught the kids some great dance moves. It had a really good message to it teaching the kids the true meaning of Christmas.


After church we went out to lunch then surprised the kids with a trip to Wal-Mart to see Santa. John was the first to walk up to Santa and climb into his lap to get his picture taken. Of course Mark & Caitlin had no problems with seeing Santa either. Now Elizabeth on the other hand told me "No" when I asked her if she wanted to see Santa. She didn't like him last year either.

Roll Tide!

36 - 0 How sweet it is!

The Amazing 8X46

Mark was so proud of his latest creation, I decided to share it with you. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce, the one and only, The Amazing 8X46.

Cindy wanted me to add a picture of all the kids. This is the latest one I have. Please disregard the custom mural on the wall. The twins just completed there latest chapter in "Crayons - Not Just For Coloring Books".

A Fresh Start

Welcome to our new Blog. I guess it is finally time to step into the current century. We'll try to update regularly. Hope you enjoy! Here is a handsome little Mark to get us started.