A Christmas Present from Crew

A Christmas gift from our little preschooler pulls at my heart strings every time. The last day of school before the holiday break Mr. JCrew runs through the front door, as I am waiting there to great him, with his hands full of shredded wrapping paper (because he just couldn't wait) and a "special" present hidden behind his back just for his mom & dad. There was no waiting till Christmas for his present, it was to grace it presence on our Christmas Tree immediately...front & center. His little school made gifts, projects, and paintings fill my heart with an abounding love for our little rebel...thank you Crew...we love you.

The Whiting GingerBread Creation

The Whiting's 1st Gingerbread Creation was set for a night full of laughs, hot chocolate, 'mellows, and getting our hands dirty creating a happy little "edible holiday house." The "rebels" were more than eager to help out (and to taste test the frosting, gum drops, & candies) while Big J and I attempted to coat our cookie house with frosting and keep Trip from biting a chunk out of the gingerbread roof!!! We finished the night off with sipping hot chocolate, eating 'mellows, & admiring (and keeping the kids from picking at ALL the candies our little abode) at our "Creation."

My 2 BIG Boys (Mr. JCrew & Big J) enjoying some nice hot Cocoa.

A Birthday Cake for Jesus

The Conversation between mother and son re: Birthdays (that are just around the corner...Trip (27Th) Crew (30Th) & Big J (Jan.5Th)) and yet another very important birthday and its meaning on Christmas day. Here in the chaos of the Whiting Household we have been trying to emphasise the importance of Jesus' birth and teach the rebels that its not all about Mr. Clause and his "magic bag" full of endless toys, but of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So in explanation of all the exciting birthdays and party requests Crew asks, "Mom, what kind of cake are you going to make for Jesus' birthday!?!" (and with out any pause from his lips) "Oh, I know....I think he would really like a Transformer cake...do you think you can make a Transformer cake for Jesus!?!"..."You can make Trip a football cake, me a Mickey cake, and Jesus wants a Transformer cake!" I laughed so hard I cried!!! Then I got to thinking and decided yes, I will make a cake for Jesus too! And we will celebrate his birthday with our little fellas on Christmas day and remember His importance in our lives. A new tradition and another "birthday" will be celebrated this season...hey, as far as I see it...what's one more cake to bake for a birthday this month!?!

BIG Lights, Little City

Christmas Lights Parade checklist:

Tailgate...check.

Warm pizza & drinks...check.

Friends & Family...check.

Freezing cold weather...check.

Lots of Lights...check.

Santa making a parade appearance...check.

One Happy family bundled tight together...check.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Meeting Santa

Santa made his ritual appearance to Snowflake on Dec 1st, riding in style on "The Old Town Fire Truck" decked out in lights, getting wish lists from children, and the BIG countdown to light the town tree. We bundled our family up, met up with friends, stood in line for 45 min. to make sure Mr. Clause got in the Whiting Bros. gift requests "because even naughty boys should get presents too!" The night was fun, festive, and a good kick off for this Holiday Season.

The Whiting Fam. awaiting (semi-patiently) to see the

"Jolly ole Chap"