a Very Workman Christmas

This post is PHOTO HEAVY.

While reading a story to the family, someone said, "You need an elmo so the kids will pay more attention."

"Ew, no. Elmo went to jail." replied one of Bubbas 12-year-old cousins. 

White Elephant Gift. She got goldfish and pringles. "Fish and Chips"

"Now Santa doesn't have to bring me a Beta for Christmas!" She had asked for one for Christmas!

Mystery Date - the perfect white elephant gift!

Someone was tired!

Our happy, (hot, it was HOT in there!) little family!

Little Emma. She's so cute!

Brayden usually loves Santa.

That means, we found this hilarious.

Seriously though, it was kinda funny.

TRUCKS! The boys had fun!

As many kids as we could get into one frame and Santa. About 20 kids were missing.

Brayden and mommy being hams. 

Also, I swear, we need a reality TV series.

Christmas with the Donners

Because of how big our family is now, we started celebrating Christmas early. We did my family's Christmas on Saturday, with my grandma and grandpa on my moms side.

We had a nice spaghetti dinner, with Italian sausage and a fantastic dessert (so fantastic, in fact that I am holding it from you until I can get the recipe from my mom!) Brayden napped and finally, after a long wait, awoke to a bunch of excited adults, ready to give him gifts!

Opa (German for Grandpa, and my dad) helped him open all his presents. His stocking was full of yummy treats and dinners!

Bubba got a FCB jacket! He is so stoked. He hasn't taken it off actually!

Bubba Kanoosh got a RSL jacket. He loved it!

Brayden got lots of new toys, but this one couldn't wait. Opa had to put it together ASAP. So he did. 

Look at the smiles all around.

We even bundled up and took it outside to test it out. Little dude had some serious fun!

Merry Christmas everyone!

A needed blessing

I'll admit, work has been tough this year. But this year, my coworkers came out in full force to show their love, all year. This Christmas was no different, and I am so excited to share all the treats with my little one and husband. I just love my colleagues! 

Our First Christmas together

Fine, I'll admit it. We did our little family Christmas early.

Brayden got the hang of opening presents very quickly. 

"Woa daddy! Woa. Stop me now!"

He LOVES this drum. It plays lots of tunes and gives him something to interact with!

He loves tearing these apart and putting them back together. 

More the tearing up part than anything.

Bubba got soccer stuff. Gloves, bag, and a jacket. He used it all already and loved it! 

Christmas Lights

Ever since Bubba and I started dating, we've gone out looking at Christmas lights. 

This year, I've finally gotten a chance to take some photos of it and enjoy it.

Even Brayden gets to go too.

This home is fundraising money for Breast Cancer Research. Look at the Bra on the giant snowman!

This house has only porch lights on it. The green is being projected onto it from the grass!

Ginger "Crackles"

We use and love the recipe from Better Homes and Garden's cookbook for Ginger Snaps (my family calls them crackles, not sure why). So, I literally took a photo of the recipe we used! It's the best version of this recipe yet, and to prove it, I used this recipe for a 4-H fair once and won first place in the state.
Yeah, it's delish.

Enjoying the Tastes of the Season

I don't know about you, but I just LOVE the tastes of the season.

The cookies.

The frosting.

The cookies.

The frosting.

I hope you are all having a fantastic week. We are in full holiday swing over here and spending as much time with family and friends as we can!