Christmas

I always try to make homemade gifts for my family at Christmas time. I just realized that I've never documented them on the blog because I didn't want to spoil the surprise... SO, these are my crafty crafts from the past few years....

I made a version of this for everyone (wall hanging, quilt square, etc.) the only common theme was the trees (I loved these trees :)

A wooden nativity
Table runners, I LOVE these. They were pretty labor intensive, but totally worth it.
And my present this year has been my favorite so far! I made profiles of all the families! I love these things, and I love my parents the most (the grandkids walking). The best part is that these were pretty quick to make, as soon as I got the pictures.
The families... top to bottom, left to right... My family, Jason & boys, Melissa & girls, Steve's family, grandkids, and Nichole's family

Here's a close up of my favorite
As you see I also always make something for myself :) This was the first year that I didn't make a christmas only decoration. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to hang something up all year round, but I couldn't pass this up.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We love this time of year!

Birthday boy

Before bragging about Alex I wanted to put a picture of Dave as a wise man for the stake nativity. They do this production every couple of years and apparently wanted some younger men this year... as you can see they all look like little boys dressing up as kings :) It was fun to watch him, especially for the kids. And it's always fun to see a live nativity.

Alex is now 7 years old! He lost his front tooth a few days before his birthday so now we have this grin for all the pictures.
It's always hard to have his birthday so close to Christmas for me... but I think he really enjoys having them so close together :) We went to a trampoline house with his buddies, and then had cake and ice cream. It seems pretty low key, but I was still a little STRESSED! Maybe just having 6 boys running around does that...

Alex is so much fun to be around. He's sweet and kind and funny, and he's respectful. He also likes to do all those "boy" things. He can't sit down during an exciting movie... and has been known to scream and shout at the screen :) He loves to read and in the morning when he's getting ready for school I usually find him half naked sitting in his chair reading a book (I'm not very nice about finding him like that either...) I love watching him grow and learn and I'm excited for this next year!

Alex

Alex was recognized at school this month for being a CARE student... he exemplified respect :)

I had NO idea! No calls, no 'congratulation' papers home, nothing. He randomly got a coupon for a free Frosty from Wendy's, but I didn't think much of it. Yesterday he brought this home and said it was hanging in the hallway all month! Maybe there's a reason that they don't tell parents until after the fact... but I can't think of it. I'm pretty proud of my boy :)