Aren't my titles just earth shattering unique?
This year I have been so determined to live in a budget minded state. I love the concept of having 25 accounts each labeled for specifically what the money will be used for.
Here let me give you an example:
Christmas
Annual expenses i.e.) taxes, life insurance policies, vehicle registrations etc
family vacations
get the picture?
Now, when it comes to money Corby and I rarely don't see eye to eye (we make up for that in plenty of other areas) but with the multiple accounts he has bucked me, Hard core! He doesn't see the point but if momma gets an idea its best to get out of the way and let momma have the final say ha ha
This last year we found a happy middle ground. We combined several accounts and figured the amount each account needed to be funded properly and it worked.
For Christmas, we budgeted $2000. I know I know that sounds like a lot I know but when I say Christmas I mean Christmas. We spend a lot on plays and activities and creating memories plus we eat out a lot more during the holiday season. We were able to buy everything on the girls wish lists and provide Christmas for two families this year. It was amazing and the best part knowing the money was there calling to be spent. Best Christmas ever. Next year we will up our amount to $2400 since our family is growing and the price of play are jacked up high.
The girls got out of school only a few days before Christmas which allowed me to finalize shopping and wrapping. Would you believe me if I told you I had everything done minus Christmas fondue an entire week before the big day. It was amazing and I highly recommend all those procrastinators to jump on my wagon. So nice to just relax and enjoy the family. We spent many a night playing games and watching movies and enjoying treats and just being together.
This year I implemented a new tradition and I loved it. It is a keeper for sure. It is called The Giving Manger. You get a manger, separate strands of straw, and a baby Jesus. Everyday throughout the month of December you do anonymous acts of service. When a kind deed has been completed you place a piece of straw under sweet baby Jesus. By the end of the month Jesus has a comfy warm bed made by service. AWE, I know.
Every Sunday, during FHE, we each would share some of the kind acts of service we rendered during the week. It was awesome and I hope we continue each year to bring the real reason for the season to light.
I mentioned we attended a few plays. We went to Forgotten Carols by Michael McClean and Juanito Bandito by Pickleville Playhouse in Bear Lake. Hands down Juanito Bandito will be revisited each year. So funny and great for all ages. It is a bit tricky to find activities where the age gap in children doesn't come into play
We went ice skating downtown at the Gallivan Center. We drove through Christmas in Color, this my friends, was pretty awesome. You drive around and see over a million lights synchronized to music. It is so wonderful. We are headed to the Hardware Ranch in Logan to ride in a wagon and spot Elk. How this tradition works is this, each family member gets to pick an activity and in the end we have 6 different nights full of memories. The weather has been so amazing but has put a cramp in our sledding wishes. Maybe January will bring the white stuff.
We were in charge of Corby's Christmas family gathering. I opted to make it easy on everyone and provide the meal. We served breakfast burritos, yogurt, berries, homemade granola and Einstein bagels with flavored cream cheese. I went over board on the food because usually at Hansen gatherings we run out and it always stresses me out. Nothing worse then people not getting full. But fear not I was a prepared Girl Scout and the only item we ran short on was salsa(of all things ha ha). Everyone but Nathan, Jaren, HyLee and his family and Janalee and her family were in attendance. We played a few games I found on Pinterest and we had every family share their "Christmas Card" highlights. Some family members bauked so they didn't participate but hey their loss. I find it fulfilling to celebrate with others as they share their accomplishments and highlights of their family. We had our stake center until 1:30pm and then most headed home. Ron and VaLynn and boys spent the remainder of the day with us. We really enjoy hanging out with them. It is fun and refreshing and we bounce ideas off each other and it's just a good time. Because making breakfast burritos for over 40 people didn't seem like enough, I also opted to feed the missionaries that evening. Bria insisted we eat Hawaiian Haystacks so I obliged her request. We had a house full all day with friends coming and going and I couldn't be happier. I hope to always have a home where others feel welcome. I do have one small request of those who feel welcome and that is watch your children. I know you want a break but trust me I want a house standing when you leave. So its a bit tricky with some family members but for the most part people respect my boundary and those who don't often don't get an invite. Winning all around
We enjoyed our traditional fondue dinner on Christmas Eve. It was smaller than usual with Sierra on her mission. James, Teesh's friend, joined us and then it was just us, the 6 of us. Fondue is so fun and holds such fond memories of my childhood. It is kind of a long meal but its a great way to slow down and enjoy Christmas Eve. As I stated earlier, I was Johnny-on-the-spot so the girls went to bed, I filled the stockings and Corby used his creative juices and wrote clues for the morning traditional scavenger hunt. The girls love this part the most of all Christmas morning. I made the Christmas Quiche and put it in the oven to cook and be ready at the perfect time after gifts were opened. I have to pat myself on the back and say I have this Christmas morning gig down! ha ha
Christmas Day is the most low key day ever. We literally don't get dressed and we just stay inside and its wonderful. A few friends came by but we mostly were a family and I loved it. The best best best part of Christmas Day came at 11:30........Skyping with my durla, Sierra. Oh to see her smiling face and hear her voice, I was a puddle of contentment for that glorious 40 minutes. She shared her testimony in Spanish and even struggled to speak English. She is 100% submerged in her mission. She is so happy and so alive. She is living her life exactly as she wishes and that's all I ask of my girls. Follow your heart's desire little ones and I will be your biggest cheerleader all the way.
Corby spent some time hunting(shooting targets) with Teeth and Saxton up North. He has an elk tag he desperately wants to fill but with the weather being crazy like it is the Elk don't feel the need to come down for food. Pray for the white stuff!
Teesh was more than generous with her gifts this year. She spoiled each of us. She got Corby a case and ammo for his new pistol and she got me an Alexia and catch kitchen knife. If you don't have cutco knife set you are missing out. They are amazing! So thoughtful Teesh. She has a real talent for listening and hearing needs and then pulling them out at just the right time. Just a sweetheart that Teesh is.x
My girls each draw names so they give a gift to one sister. We kept the limit at $20 because let's face it you can't get much for less. Ada had Bria, she got her a game called Dog Pile. Bria had Malia, she got her a thread wallet and favorite candy bar, Malia had Teesh, she got her a leather band for her new Apple Watch, and Teesh had Ada, she got her several outfits for Ada's reborn doll Ryan. The best part was Bria and Ada both earned their $20 by taking care of a neighbor's cat over Thanksgiving break. Winning!
After Christmas, my side had our gathering. My brother, Chad, was in charge and held it down in Pleasant Grove. It was also a breakfast gathering. We each were asked to bring a breakfast casserole and fruit. It was low key and nice. Most of my family was there. We have 7 missionaries out right now so minus them we had a great support that morning. We played a few games then took pictures and my family headed out. Teesh had an eye appointment and I had a class to attend. Corby was so good go with me and endure the torture while I continue to learn the world of fitness. I love learning about fitness and nutrition. Teesh was kind enough to keep our nuggets while Corby and I went from class to class for hours on end. Just a slice of heaven for me.
Well, I have been long winded long enough. It is safe to say Christmas will go down in the books as a classic. It's hard to have Sierra gone and our family not complete but we get it. 18 months is a short time to sacrifice for our Lord and Savior. May the Lord bless you and all is well at your home during this special time of year.
Merry Christmas and to all a good night!
