Merry Christmas!!

The kids were very excited this morning. Both donned their Santa hats and tore into the wrapping paper like pros. Luke asked Santa for a football. Santa did not disappoint.

Miranda asked Santa for shoes for her "Build-a-Bear" dog. She made this dog at a friends birthday party. So sweet!

One more tradition.... I always make "Blueberry-Peach Coffee Cake" on Christmas morning. I had this every Christmas growing up and cannot do without now. So yummy!

I hope everyone has had a Very Merry Christmas and that the Joy of the season will follow you all year long.

Christmas Traditions in the Johnston Home

I really think I like all the "traditions" that lead up to Christmas morning more than anything. With Luke being in Cub Scouts, he marches in the Leiper's Fork parade every year. Last year I got a good picture of a pig on a leash. This year Naomi Judd was the Grand Marshall of the parade. Do you think I got a picture of her, noooo, but I did get this pic of a donkey in a santa hat! I did not even get a good shot of Luke!!

I really need a better camera that does not take forever between shots.

This year, the first year ever for us, DeWayne put lights on the house. I LOVE IT!!!!

The kids decorated "ginger bread" houses this year. Okay, so they are made from graham crackers, I did not bake any real ginger bread (maybe next year). They spent forever decorating these. Luke and Miranda are both quite skilled with a bag of icing. Check out their masterpieces.

Another tradition, we make sugar cookies and decorate them on Christmas Eve. These I do make from scratch. The whole family gets in on this. Then the kids pick a few favorites to put out for Santa.

Notice Miranda's intense concentration - tongue out and all!!

YUMMMMM!!!!

The finished product.

One more of our traditions, the kids get to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Obviously, these are from Mommy and Daddy since Santa has not come yet.

Oh, what could it be?!

Yippee! - Snow tubes, now we just need some snow!!!! Does Santa deliver snow?

Last but not least, once teeth are brushed, jammies are on and kids are "snug as a bug in a rug" in bed, I read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to them.

DeWayne has his own "must" for Christmas Eve. He just has to watch "National Lampoons' Christmas Vacation".

Well, I think I hear the "prancing and pawing of each little hoof" so I'll say... "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night".

I'm thinking of changing my name

Okay, not MY name exactly, but the blog name. I'm thinking "The Bi-Annual Blogger". It seems that's as often as I actually post anything new. I often "blog" in my head when taking picutres of the kids but it never makes it to the blog that exists here for everyone to read. I really do want to update more often, maybe that can be my New Year's Resolution. We'll see...

I have my own website!

Most everyone knows I sell Uppercase Living. I now have my own website! You can view the catalog, create your own design, even see my calendar of available dates for in-home shows. I have put a link to my site in the side bar. Check it out!

Custom name

"Bird on Bamboo" from catalog

Another catalog item with custom name added.

Custom design. A great way to show off the kids artwork.

Who-da Thunk It?

I took my first foray into the world of CANNING! Yes, it's official, I am now a "country girl". Not only do I say "y'all", I now 'put up' my own canned goods (well just tomatoes so far). I have 4 gallon size baggies of wild blackberries in my freezer just waiting to become jam, too. Guess what everyone is getting from me for Christmas this year?! Here are a couple of pics of my accomplishments.

Pints

Quarts

Mr. Bean

Is it just me or is this bean smiling at me!?

Stinkums turns 7!!!! (a.k.a. man, I'm old)

May 22, 2001 - Luke Elias Johnston is born! Fast forward to May 22, 2008: Luke turns 7 years old and has his last day of 1st grade. WOW!

I cannot believe that Luke is 7. Time flies, huh? It amazes me how fast they go from being your little baby to such a big kid. I love when I get to see the kind, thoughtful, loving soul that is in him. Here are some pics of his journey to his 7th year. Enjoy!

My future News Channel 5 anchor!

Or weather man.

Or cowboy.