Christmas Memories!

We are enjoying being together as a family this year during this Christmas season. Last year, we weren't as fortunate with Justin being deployed to Kuwait. Now that Jocelyn is a little older, its especially nice that we get to be together to make sweet memories.

Christmas Eve was a fun one last night. We didn't go anywhere, but we filled the day and evening with good stuff. We mostly played together, made lots of "bad-for-you" foods and of course ate lots.

Part of the yummy festivities included making Nutella cookies and chocolate-butterscotch fudge {both of which I've never made}, and a new banana bread recipe which turned out to not be our favorite, but still decent.

{We made up a goodie-tray and took some to our neighbors. It brought
a smile to their faces, so our ultimate goal was achieved! :)}

The fudge was a pleasant tasty surprise, but the Nutella cookies were a homerun with the hubs!

{Such a handsome and mostly sweet fella!}

We didn't stop with those treats -- We still needed something for supper!

          HOMEMADE PIZZAS were the desired Christmas Eve meal!

{We both used basically the same toppings but mine totally tasted better -- just ask me! The toppings? Lots-o-sauce, pepperoni, canadian bacon, fresh cut pineapple, jalapenos and mixed cheeses. I honestly can't remember the last time I had such a good pizza!!!}

We've had Boogie's stocking hanging for a while {she has a super cute pink sock money that plays Christmas music and of course she's now terrified of it ... poor girl!}, but before we went to bed, Justin says "We can't forget to hang our stockings for Santa to fill!" We've never bought ourselves stockings, so he did some improvising.

{He's so silly and I love him all the more for it!}

Then comes our Christmas morning.

Boogs thought it was an excellent idea to make sure we all were awaken with giggles at 4:45am. She has been sleeping relatively good since giving her melatonin, but today she was rearing and ready to go! Surprisingly we were pretty awake and indulged in her early morning fiasco.

We spent the wee-early morning hours cuddling in the recliners watching "Elf" -- Great way to start the morning!

{She's so full of laughter in the mornings! I was holding her new PJ's
and candy that was in her stocking. She's getting so big that Santa
had to bring 4T PJ's and she's not even 3 years-old!!}

Before we opened presents, we made our first homemade donuts and Boogie even got to Skype with her Aunt Cindy which is one of her top things to do!

Justin wanted to be in charge of making the donuts and I of course was not going to object one single bit!

{The top picture is Jib's "dough raising" techniques haha -- He was busy at it!}

{They were actually pretty good! Justin made a coconut flavored icing -- YUM!}

After we all had full belly's, it was present opening time!!!

We didn't buy a whole lot of gifts -- we never seem too -- and I like that actually! :0)

Jocie doesn't care what she gets, she wouldn't care if she didn't get anything to be honest. She just wants to have fun and get attention ... all of which she gets lots of!

My favorite "excitement" picture?

{I can't believe I was able to snap this shot but its pure awesomeness!!!}

{Simple toy = simple pleasure!}

{This little vibrating bug cost $2 and it was instant love!! She giggled and giggled when I ran it up and down her back. This little sucker is powerful because her whole hand will vibrate!}

We even got each other Christmas gifts this year. Justin said he loved his coupon book the most which of course made the effort worthwile! :)

And the best part?
          Just simply being able to hug and love and kiss on one another!

Boogs is seriously the sweetest thing I've ever laid eyes on.

And one of my most favorite pictures of the day?

Boogie was loving how crazy we were getting with the wrapping paper. She loves to tear things and thought it was the best thing on earth when we were crunchy it and making it rain shiny paper haha.

I'm so thankful for today ...

          Getting to be with my family ... all day ... not having to be anywhere ... not leaving to go to one single place and just enjoy one another? That is truly better than any possession on earth.

Thank you sweet Jesus for giving and blessing me so much! Today as I celebrate being with my family, I also celebrate you my beloved Jesus. Happy birthday King of Kings!!