The TX Doolittle's: January 2012

Hey everyone...we're still here! And we did have a wonderful Christmas. I think about blogging it everyday but I'm always able to come up with an excuse why I can't that day. But it's just a little too lame now so I really need to do get it done. Here goes:

We really missed all of our Doolittle family this year. We were glad to trade a week and a half visit for a month long one in the summer though and we can't wait to see everyone in June.

Here are our Christmas festivities:

Samuel was the official tree topper this year and was very proud to be so

In between our day-after-Thanksgiving decorating and actual Christmas day, Tim hit an important milestone... 5 years at Rackspace! I told the kids about it when I picked them up after school and they wanted to do something special. We made a 5 layer cookie "cake" with 5 candles. The kids took charge and decorated the kitchen and front entryway with red, black, and white streamers and pictures. When Tim came home we all hid and then jumped out and yelled "surprise!" Cheesy, but super fun. And, we are so proud of Tim and all of his hard work.

Now...back to Christmas.

Here are the kids on Christmas Eve spreading the reindeer food on the lawn

Christmas Day, right before we let the kids in

Well, the boys were excited but we actually had to wake Lillie up this year so we could open presents and still make it to church in time. She perked up pretty quickly though.

Lillie's present from Santa this year was a kitten. She was floored! Yes, an actual, alive kitten. Her name is Gracie and she is wonderful! Leave it to Santa to find the perfect pet for our family. And, I might add, a kitten might be a long term investment, but taking care of Gracie for the next 15 years if much more desirable than dealing with what Lillie originally asked Santa for: an electronic dog that eats through batteries like nobody's business and barks at the slightest movement. We love you Gracie!

Thank you Harry and Dianne for my new sewing machine.... it sews beautifully!

I got Tim a ROKU for Christmas so we can turn our regular TV into a smart TV.

Randomly, I found the game "Hot Hoops" at a garage sale in November for only 25 cents. It was the hit of Christmas. Just think, if I stick to garage sales only next year I can do all of Christmas for under $23! I'm all over it!

Tim cooked the entire Burwell/Doolittle Christmas dinner....

...and my mom sat in a chair and watched him do it... yeah right! But what a funny picture!

Grant loves golf. He got a golf game for Christmas and was in love with it. He's cheering here with my sister Katie. He managed to talk someone into playing with him for the entire day.

Lillie and Samuel got roller skates from my parents. They have done really well on them. Lillie already knew how to ice skate so she flied down the sidewalk now. Samuel couldn't even stand up straight the first time he put them on but he has really come a long way and can now stomp down the hall or sidewalk and keep his balance pretty well. Lillie skates everywhere in our house and wants to be a drive-in waitress when she turns 16 so she can skate at work. I love that girl!

Da na na na na na na na Da na na na na na na na BAT MAN!

POW! CRASH! KA ZAM!

These pj's from my sister Allison and they never even make it into the drawer after the laundry is done. Also, I think Grant is willing Samuel to grow faster so they can be past on to him sooner.

Samuel's Wall Tracks from Santa. Coolest. Idea. Ever.

Lillie lovin' Gracie. She is such a cuddly kitten and loves to snuggle every member of the family. Plus, she's way good with the whole litter box thing so I love her even more!

I love food and had to restrain myself from posting pictures of all the things I made because, well, I figured you all probably don't care to see multiple pictures of pies and cranberry sauce. But here is one: Peppermint Pie. I love you, and so do my hips!

Lastly, Tim bought me a bread maker for Christmas. I secretly think he actually wanted it because he made 5 bready type things before I even chanced one. I do love the machine though. Here is Tim with some of his yummy cinnamon rolls. What a great guy I have!

We had a wonderful Christmas together. I love all the magic of the season, especially when you have little kiddos. My favorite part of the day however was going to church. At first, I secretly felt that it was an inconvenience having to stop our activities mid-morning and get everyone ready for church. But once we got there, the spirit filled my heart so much and I realized something: while I had been having a happy Christmas season, it was kind of a hollow one. I really let all of the gift buying and giving take over this year and because of that I missed out on feeling the real spirit that is Christmas. Going to church on Christmas day and hearing the beautiful music and testimonies that were prepared reminded me what the season is truly about. I am so grateful for my Savior and His entrance into this world. I know that because He came to this earth, lived and died here, for me and for all of us, that I can live with Him, my Heavenly Father, and all of my family for eternity. I hope to keep this lesson in my heart so that when next Christmas rolls around I can worry a lot more about people and a lot less about what I'm going to give to people.

I love you all and I hope that you had a wonderful and joyous Christmas Season!