We were a bit late in getting our tree this year, because we all had the flu and none of us felt like doing much of anything. We knew the flu was going around the school, then Isaac and Abbi both ended up having it at around the same time. I went to stay with Hannah in hopes that I wouldn't catch it, but I ended up coming home feeling sick. It took us a couple of weeks to get over, but we were finally rid of it and were able to enjoy the rest of the holiday season.
{Our beautiful tree!}
I had tons of Christmas gift ideas pinned on Pinterest, so a week before school was out, I sifted through them all trying to decide what to give to Abbi's teachers and other school staff. I decided on Cinnamon Dough ornaments, which turned out to be very easy and fun! I made the ornaments a couple of days before the last day of school, then Abbi and I painted them the night before. I am still kicking myself for not taking a picture of them, they came out really cute and the teachers loved them. I was disappointed that the season flew by so fast this year and I didn't get to try more cute Pinterest ideas. Oh well, there is always this year!
I also paired the ornaments with a baggie of homemade candy. It is what we call Rocky Road candy and it is so quick and easy to make. Someone that worked with my mother gave her the recipe years ago, and we have made it ever since. I'll include the recipe at the bottom of this post so you can try it for yourself! It is not just a Christmas treat, it can be made all year round.
Abbi's was also in a Christmas play at school. It was called "A Dickens of a Christmas", and it was basically their version of "A Christmas Carol". She was chosen to be the Ghost of Christmas Present. The description for the character was perfect for her; brown curls, bright cheeks, and jolly personality. Yep, that's our girl! She wasn't very excited at first, but once we started getting the costume together, her excitement grew. The night of the play, momma curled her hair and I added a little blush, sparkly eyeshadow, and lip gloss. She looked absolutely perfect and her art and music teachers (who put the play together) gushed over her costume. I lost my camera, but I was able to snap some pics with my phone.
{In her costume and holly wreath made by momma and I}
All the kids worked very hard and it paid off! We really enjoyed the play and songs. Our girl only had 3 lines but several people patted her on the back as we left, telling her what a good job she did. We were all very proud!
Christmas dinners were a little different this year. Usually we do Christmas Eve at my Nanna's, then Christmas Day at the church with Granny and family. This year, my Aunt Linda had to work Christmas Eve, so we just did both dinners on Christmas Day. Overall I think it was a little better this way, because I only had one night of cooking to do, and we got both dinners done in one day. Also, we were able to have Christmas Eve free to spend with just the 5 of us.
As usual, the kids were spoiled with presents (especially Abbi lol). But the good thing is they truly appreciate it and don't act spoiled (most of the time).
We are all looking forward to a new year and some exciting things to come! :)
Rocky Road Candy
ingredients:
1 package of Chocolate Bark (or Almond Bark, if you prefer)
1 small container of party peanuts
1 bag of minature marshmallows
Just melt the bark according to package directions, then add marshmallows and peanuts. Stir until everything is coated with chocolate, then pour onto wax paper to harden. Once it is hard and cool, break into bite sized pieces and place into a ziploc baggie or individual treat baggies. Enjoy! Trust me, it won't last long. It sure doesn't in our house! *You could add just about anything you like, but this version is our favorite! Simple, quick, and easy.
