Wrap it Up!

Okay, so my idea to blog the 12 Days of Christmas did not work. Christmas is crazy, crazy fun! So instead....

Turner Family Christmas Highlights: (not in any particular order)

1. Zoo Lights

2. Grandma Austin's Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

3. Gingerbread Houses

4. Willard Bay Lights

5. Snowstorms

6. Chocolate Mint Pie

7. Family Parties--The Austin Family party was originally planned to be a sleepover, We (I) had decided that we would not sleep there because Ryan needed to work and I was feeling sick so we were just going to spend the one day. Once there we were having sooo much fun we could not leave so decided to stay (Ryan left us there while he returned to SL for work--good boy). Regan, Will, my Mom and I got to sleep out under the Christmas Tree--it was so FUN--thanks for playing Regan!

8. Games left by Santa

9. Baby Jesus--I hope to remember it always as read by my youngest Turner--with the same excitement, love and joy that he did this Christmas Season. (I can't even begin to describe it so I won't even try)

The 1st and 2nd Day of Christmas

The First Day of Christmas we watched a Holiday Movie. This year it was Elf. I don't know why for sure but it makes us all laugh hysterically. Alec was not present because he was at the Winter Formal.



The Second Day of Christmas we wrote letters to Santa. The letters not only include what they are asking for from Santa, but also what they have accomplished during the past year, as well as what their siblings would enjoy from Santa. They write great, thoughtful letters. Good job kidos--Santa should include you on the NICE LIST.

What Traditions?!?

To prepare for the Season I chatted with each child and Ryan about Christmas Traditions. More specifically I wanted to find out which ones they loved, which ones they thought they could do without, and which ones they absolutely couldn't stand. This would help me decide what I wanted to do this year without making it crazy.

I got the same answer from each one of them: "What Traditions--we don't have any Christmas Traditions!" Are you kidding? I was under the impression that the whole season was just getting in one tradition after another--and it was getting hectic. I GUESS I was WRONG.

But maybe NOT! In an effort to prove them wrong, I will document them here over the next 12 days. Oh yeah--celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas is a TRADITION. (This is where they all said, and I quote: "oh yeah...I forgot about that."

Starting with Day N. (This is a substitute day for when I am too tired, crouchy, or unable due to multiple reasons to celebrate a day).

DAY N: DECORATION GINGERBREAD HOUSES







More Gingerbread House FUN:

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Christmas FAQ's

My sis-in-law emailed this list to me and I thought it was fun--not so much my answers (I already know them), but hopefully those of you who read it will answer the questions and blog it too!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love wrapping paper--it can make a "good" gift into the "best gift ever". My Mom is awesome at wrapping gifts.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real (cut), we used to get a potted tree so that we could plant it outside in the spring. When in Cedar City a couple weeks ago seeing those trees made me homesick!
3. When do you put up the tree? My kids would tell you just a couple days before Christmas, but I promise we usually get it up by the second week of December.
4. When do you take the tree down? January 1st.
5. Do you like eggnog? NO, Ryan loves the rotten stuff, my kids won't touch it--smart like their Mom.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? So many, my Mom was the master santa. A baby doll highchair stands out, as well as the many books of lifesavers.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan--if he wants it he already has it.
8. Easiest person to buy for? (Me--I tell you exactly what I want) Regan--again like her Mom.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a beautiful one my Mom gave me for Christmas a few years back, I hope to keep building on it. I also have a wooden block one that my kids love to play with. Alec, Austin and Will just built a tower of wisemen and a star last night. Can you image my surprise when I saw that this morning!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. I would love to send cards. Maybe next year.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The year after my Dad died everything was bad--it is better now!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love all Christmas Movies, even the cheesy ones on the Hallmark channel. Ryan and I watch them and laugh/make fun of them, but I still LOVE them.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Haven't yet, maybe in a few days!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes--a bread slicer. Ryan was mortified!
15. Favorite thing to eat or drink at Christmas? Mom's fudge, sugar cookies, Grandma's cookies, hot chocolate, chocolate mint pie, Ham.
16. Lights on the tree? Clear lights belong on trees, my kids fight for colored.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Little drummer boy by BNL and Sarah
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home, we used to spend it every year at my Mom and Dads, but the kids got too old. It is nice to be home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, if I sing them.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel, reminds me of the family I have lost.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning after breakfast.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Doesn't last long enough, and the let down after.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love the silver bells that we get from Ryan's parents every year.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Doesn't matter as long as we have lots of family, one year we all packed into my house in the living room, we couldn't even open the front door--one of my best Christmas memories.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Books, slippers, and a good H2O bottle. (See I tell you exactly--if you want to know the books just say the word!)
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Hopefully Jamie, and neighborhood ladies.
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? Brothers and Ryan
28. Favorite thing about Christmas? FAMILY--my kids are growing up and I am not their favorite person to "hang with", so I hoping for some good quality time with them, and of course my extended family--I miss you all!

Now it's your turn---fill it in send it on

Happy Holidays

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