Chrismas '12, Part 2

It is Christmas Eve tradition to take family pictures in front of Mee Maw's tree - all combinations of grandparents/children/grandchildren. The pictures almost always result in a few disaster shots but this year (somehow) the pictures went really smooth. Who would have thought?? Here are most of the pictures:

Excitement was in full force! We had a birthday party for Jesus, and each kid got to blow out candles on the cake. Then the gift opening began. It was wild! ha. Collin got a Master Moves Mickey that provided the majority of the entertainment for the afternoon. After gift opening and socializing, we went to our cousin Virginia's house for dinner. And it was there that a cute little elf appeared to spread more Christmas cheer :)

After this little gathering we hurried home, but we did NOT hurry to bed. Getting B & C down that night was tough! We put out cookies, Magic Milk (courtesy of Sprout), and carrots for the reindeer. We finally convinced them that Santa might skip our house if we were still awake, ha. I can't remember what time we all went to bed, but it was a short night of sleep. Ahh the memories :) Christmas Day coming up next!

Christmas 2012, Part I

Christmas came and left in a blur just like it always does. But it was very, very fun! The kids are so sad it's over. We stay very busy during Christmas, and after every event the kids would ask, "so where do we go next?"

We kicked off our marathon of Christmas activities with Lewis Lights and dinner at Mug Shots on Saturday night. It was COLD, and it was fun to get all bundled up knowing we would need the a.c. for Christmas Eve.  On Sunday we went to church and watched our Christmas program. Then we had Christmas at Lolly and Poppy's house that night. Five excited kids opening presents at the first event = pure chaos!! HA!

Even Meg was in the Christmas spirit!

Christmas Eve morning we let the kids open our family present. Kyle and I really didn't buy much for each other this year so we went for a family iPad instead. Between Kyle and the hunting game, Collin and Temple Run and me and Facebook/Blogger/iTunes, this thing doesn't get a rest! 

Up next will be Christmas Eve and morning!

IPad

I am attempting a post from our new iPad. Looks like we are finally getting with the times :)

Merry Christmas

We are ready!

We are counting down the days to Christmas and trying to stay busy so the excitement doesn't get the best of us. We have visited Santa, decorated cookies, and had some fun church activities. We also had the Crager Christmas is Fruitdale, AL. Kyle and Ty were under the weather and didn't come :( Kyle was scared he was still toxic from the flu and Ty had his first case of real sickness ... bronchitis :( It was a mild case and he never really acted that sick. But we got to find out that he weighs over 18 pounds!! Go big boy! This has also been a very big week for Collin. He had his adenoids removed Thursday.  The poor baby (and momma, if being honest) was very very nervous. He is recovering really well. The anticipation was the worst! We are praying this will help his snoring/apnea and those pesky sinus headaches he frequently has.

Cousins in the kitchen at Lolly's.

Wise men hats in Sunday School.

Precious singing at church.

Here we are at the Fruitdale Parade. We got lots of candy... it was an experience ;)

And here is our sick boy at his worst, ha. A little fever and cough didn't get him down. In fact the meds did the opposite. Can you say wired?!?!

Pre op and surprisingly SO brave!! 

Brantlee was super pumped about getting to eat all the popsicles and ice cream like Collin did, instead of real meals. 

Yesterday morning was so nice. Ty had his dvd playing and I had my devotion and coffee. I briefly soaked in the peacefulness... and then the other two chickens started to stir. I love mornings at home with nowhere to be. 

Tomorrow our family festivities begin, and it is nonstop until Wednesday.  We are so, so excited!! But my prayer for this Christmas is that in all the crazy, rushing around with over-stimulated children, we will experience true peace.  Not stress, not exhaustion. But calmness and peace. And JOY! I know our schedule will be hectic, but our hearts don't have to be. May our hearts stay focused on the baby, our Savior born so many years ago. 

Tis the season!

Christmas season is in full swing around here, and the calendar is filling up quickly! We've had class parties, a singing program, a sneaky elf, fun crafts, Christmas cards, etc.  There are lots of gatherings to come.  Unfortunately this is also the season for sickness, and we have not been spared in the Crager household. Collin has had the crud and ear infections. Kyle has had the flu and we *think* Brantlee may have had it too, but her flu shot gave her a weaker version. The verdict is still out on Ty and myself... fingers crossed!!

Here is our kick off to Christmas post with lots of pictures.

B had to miss school for 2 days, so we had to come up with something else to do. 

Collin's school Christmas program. He nailed it ;)

Brantlee at her class birthday party for Jesus! She and her teacher Mrs. Freeman are two peas in a pod.

The K-5 classes at Collin's school decorated gingerbread houses. Super fun!

We had so much fun with it, we came home and did our own gingerbread village.

Holly, Jollyness :)

Sprout has been surprising us with lots of Christmas cheer lately. He's a sneaky little fella.

Getting some genuine help with Christmas cards. Thanks Collin!