Christmas Eve ~ Hibberds

Our new tradition for at least 3 years, since my Grandma Jo passed, is to spend Christmas Eve with Grandma Vickie & Grandpa Bob. It is one of our favorite memories during the holidays. We always do a low-key appetizer potluck and a gift exchange. The kids love driving the golf cart thru the neighborhood & check out Christmas Lights. One of Grandpa Bob's gifts was a talking fly swatter. I feel bad for Grandma Vickie because for some reason....we are always drawn to fun loud gifts for our fun grandpa. I joked this year about how some grandparents get their grandkids the loud noisemaker gifts but its the other way around with us...we get the grandpa those.


This year Grandma Vickie made beautiful quilts for each of the kids. She customized each one special for each grandchild. She is an amzing woman! The kids LOVE their quilts. All 4 of the kids snuggled with their blankies on the long car ride home, and the special quilts accompanied the kids to the Tree Christmas morning.

Grateful. . .

. . . to be loved by God.
. . . for knowing & loving the Lord.
. . . I am forgiven when I fall short.
. . . I am granted the grace to try again.
. . . for my husband, Alan.
. . . for our four amazing children.
. . . for Alan's job, allowing him to provide.
. . . for my loved ones good health.
. . . for the roof over our head & heat.
. . . for food & water.
. . . for our Church Family
. . . for our community we call home.
. . . for having the ability to love everyone.
. . . for my continual progress on not holding grudges.
. . . for the power of prayer.

Nolan's Very 1st Christmas Program

Three of our kids went to the same preschool. It is the BEST! All 3 of the kids sang this memorable song as well:
"I built a little snowman. It had a carrot nose. Along came a bunny, and what do you suppose? That hungry little bunny was looking for some lunch. Ate my snowmans carrot nose. Nibble. Nibble. Crunch!!!"

Darla & Elijah's Christmas Play

Most all the other boys had to wear paper vests to be in character but Elijah borrowed this black vest from his sister...shhhhh...noone knew he had me remove the pink tag on the inside.
Darla forgot her pinnafore & bonnet in her backpack in her classroom thus the plain apparel. Ahh well. Nolan & I enjoyed the school's Christmas Program. He even got to play with his friend Jeremiah while we were there.

O Christmas Tree...

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

We Wuv Wu Gwamma Pam!!!

Merry Christmas Gramma Pam! We love you!
Love, Payton, Nolan, Darla & Elijah
Candy coated apples.
Caramel covered corn.
Across the miles from Gramma.
New tradition has been born.

The kids love to speculate
what the brown box holds each year.
Always something delectible
Gramma Pam is such a dear.

As proud mama to your grandchildren
writes this heartfelt thanks to you,
Chocolate outlined smiles lovingly
dance -n- play with bubble wrap too!

(Ok Payton let the little ones have
the giant bubble wrap...he headed to his
room with the extra treats & rejoined his
online computer game, lol)

December 13 is special

because of this great lady . . . .
Grandma Vickie Hibberd!
Featured in the photo below is Grandpa
Bob & Grandma Vickie holding their 1st
born grandchild, our Payton James.
Notice: my fine puke green colored couch,
ahhh young families & their 1st furnishings.
lol

Ouch Instead of Awwwwwww......

I was supposed to be at a huge wedding this evening for my beautiful cousin Sara:

BUT INSTEAD.....at home nursing a 2nd degree burn. This photo isnt really applicable now. It looks WAY worst. I am too squeemish to describe.

Momentary Mellow

I was able to make 3 uninterrupted phone calls the other morning & quickly became worried something was wrong with Nolan. Then I found him & Sunshine on the couch:


Rare moment when Nolan isnt audibly doing something active.

UGGY wreathe......

You cant see the red berries on the bottom & it looks all lop sided .... because it is. It isnt a masterpiece or grand but its a start. My very 1st & I did it totally wrong but its ok. The greens & berries are from our own property & the wire base from Goodwill for $3. So I saved the family $12 this year instead of buying from the neighbor kid.

Living Nativity at Church On The Mountain

Very cold evening of Friday December 4th:
Darla & her youngest brother Nolan Ricky ..... look closely & you can see the remnance of a Rudolph Nose on the boy from earlier in the day fun.

Elijah who has made it clear he wants to be in the church choir next year as well.

Darla was a bit nervous to discover she started the performance with her solo.

Then she realized this isnt for me - this is for God . . . . He will be pleased!

Made To Worship lyrics
(Darla's solo)
Before the day
Before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high
Stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

(Entire Choir)
You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be

All we are
And all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life
We open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King

He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember

Even the rocks cry out
Even the heavens shout
At the sound of His Holy name
So let every voice sing out
Let every knee bow down
He is worthy of all our praise

Nativity Breakfast With Nolan

When: Friday December 4th
Hosts: Nolan's Christian Preschool
Who: Me & My Boy

Yummy blackberry syrup drizzled on melt in your mouth pancakes (why dont mind ever turn out like that?), sausage & orange juice.Crafts, facepainting, & Nolan getting to hang with his awesome teachers & friends.