3rd Annual Smullin Service Scavenger Hunt

For the past few years, our family has made an effort to focus our Christmastime more on Christ.

We tried the 12-Days-of-Service route, but I discovered 12 days in a row, around Christmas time, with busy schedules, wasn't practical...and was actually adding to my stress, rather than making me feel Christ-like.

This year, we kept it simple and sweet. We chose a few service oriented nights and let the rest of December play out as it will.

One of our service nights was our annual "Smullin Service Scavenger Hunt". We sent an invitation via Facebook and told friends/neighbors we would be picking up supplies for the Boise Rescue Mission as our FHE activity.

We usually begin this activity with some grumpiness and complaining, but end up generally having fun and enjoying one another's company...this year was no exception. :)

Abree's Christmas Program

The second graders put on a "Christmas Around the World" program.

Abree got to play a drum for one of the songs.

Although I got there "late" (before the program started, but after most of the seats were taken) she found me and kept her eyes on me the whole time.

The kids did a really cute job and knew their parts well.

Way to go Abree! Love you!

Favorite Things Party

In December, our book club has A Favorite Things Party. I got to host again this year.

We played two games before getting to the gift exchange. The first one was a draw-on-your-head-without-looking game. I asked them to draw a Christmas scene one thing at a time. Then they got to look at their drawings and receive points for certain things. Like if their stocking was actually touching their fireplace mantle or points for every decoration on their Christmas tree, etc.

For the second game we had a "snow ball" fight. I had them write down 3 of their favorite things on  a piece of paper; favorite breakfast, favorite place to shop and favorite type of book/movie. Then I had them wad up their paper and throw them at one another. After a minute or so, we stopped throwing and grabbed a "snowball". We took turns reading them and trying to guess who's it was.

Of course there was a lot of yummy food to eat too.

Last, but not least, we exchanged our favorite things. We said why our item was our favorite thing, then we drew a name and gave it to that person. I gave a homemade nativity ornament; I love/collect nativities and also love to craft/create with my hands.

A fun night. One I always look forward to.

The Kitchen is CLOSED

As we updated Taylee and Abree's room (still a work in progress) we went through all of their old toys and decided which would stay and which would go.

Abree's cute kitchen (and most of the play food and dishes) was one of the things to go. She still played with it occasionally, but Taylee's desire to have a more grown-up room won out in the end.

I put it on Craigslist without much hesitation, but when a buyer called and wanted to purchase, I started regretting my decision. I didn't think I had any sentimental attachment to this kitchen, but I guess I did. It may be that it represented my baby growing up. These kids..always growing up!

If I felt that we had more room, I probably would have justified keeping it for future grandchildren. :)

Good-bye little kitchen. Enjoy your new home.

Snapped the picture, right before we loaded it up in her car. She promised her little girl would love and play with it just as Abree had.

Sixteen!

The day had finally arrived... Rylee's 16th birthday!

Friends decorated the front door and her bedroom to surprise her.

That evening, we had a birthday dinner and family party.

Our gift to Rylee was....

a Facebook account and...

BRACES!!!

It may seem a bit unusual, but it's something she really wanted. :)

I had been saving up for my own braces (something that I had always wanted), but decided to surprise her instead. She was giddy.

We had her Sweet 16 FRIEND party that Saturday. I had wanted to plan something cute and theme-ish, kind of like this..

But she opted for casual and teen-ish. Oh well.

She partied with about 20 of her closest friends..they decorated gingerbread houses (I had my friends Keri and Marla judge them and give out prizes), watched a movie, snacked and played silly games. I "behaved" and didn't stalk the teens...just popped in and out when needed.

Happy Sweet Sixteen Rylee Roo!!!

Christmas Ison FHE

On the first Monday of December, we gathered in our home, to have our annual Christmas Ison FHE.

Tim read the story of our Savior's birth, as the kids covered their heads with towels and scarves acting as Mary, Joseph, shepherds or wisemen.

It was nice to have Jana and Kevin's family there... including Aaron and his cute kids.

After reading in the scriptures, we took turns ring bells and singing Christmas carols, until our special visitor arrived...Santa!

Our Santa helper this year was new to the job. He was sweet, funny and did a great.

Of course the traditional white elephant gift exchange happened and many treats were enjoyed.