Our little Family & a BIG Christmas

Our first Christmas away from family turned out to be really good. Although we missed family gatherings and opening presents with a large group we had a great time wtih Caleb. He got the hang of ripping paper and realized that there was a toy inside. It still took him most of the day to get them all open.
Caleb rarely sleeps past 7:30am but of course on Christmas morning he slept in. Paul was up and waiting by 7:00. Paul had our cinnemon rolls in the oven and cooking when Caleb finally woke up.
We didn't anticipate having so many presents! Our families were VERY genereous despite the fact they had to send presents across the country. I had used toys I'd gathered and wrapped for Caleb becuase I didn't think he'd have much to open, but he did.
Paul got me a sewing machine! I also got new clothes, 17 Miracles movie (so good!), boots, scarves, decorations, sequence game...
I got Paul a new peacoat and I made he and Caleb matching aprons. Paul also got Harry Potter movies, toothbrush heads...
And Caleb got a kitchen, plastic food, toys, books, new clothes, a musical Elmo and more. Spoiled.
And Santa brought us a Wii!! We weren't expecting that but I guess becuase Paul has been doing so well in school Santa thought we deserved a Wii.







New, homemade aprons!


He was SO excited!!


One of our packages came with these, so we enjoyed popping them. Caleb thought it was so fun to JUMP on them or hammer them.


I wouldn't normally put a picture of myself up but Paul insisted. This is a new outfit I got from my mom and boots from Paul. They're warm!

Tight Budget Decor

As you all know we moved here to New Hampshire with what could fit in our car, that meant ONLY essentials. So all my wall hangings, holiday decorations, and pictures were left in Utah.
This Christmas season pruchasing new decor is not an option so I whipped out my pathetic crafty self and did what I could.




(don't mind the fact that there are no ornaments on the lower half of the tree, we have a toddler/tornado running around) He is often rearranging the ones he can reach as well.





Here's what I came up with, and almost FREE. I did pruchase lights and a few ornaments for the tree. And the rest was history.
I made a few stars out of tree branches and floss, then hung them in the doorway between our two living rooms. The garland I made from the extra branches cut off of our Christmas tree. The wreath came from the same branches (give me a break it was my first wreath). Another star above our mantel with more tree garland and a few candales I picked up on black friday. Our family went on a great walk through the park to gather pine cones I used in the garland. Pomegranants are from the store, and will be used later for eating yum!
Overall, our house smells greatly of fresh pine, we have decorations up to help with the Christmas spirit, and I spent little money on them. Happy Holidays!

P.S. I don't have anyone else to brag about my seldom craftiness thus I blog about it.

And just to make this post a little more interesting. Here are my favorite two boys!