Sooooo busy

Goodness things have been busy. Christmas shopping, time with friends and family as well as schooling has been our mode of operation the last two weeks. The good news is that after today I should be done with my shopping and that makes me oh so happy! This year we will have more time to spend thinking of others and what we can do to make this season special. We might actually have some time for baking and making and we might even start a new tradition or two this year.

In other news I have playing around with picasa (thanks to my friend Brooke) in my picture taking and whoa! is it ever fun. Each of my five got their own photo shoot yesterday and they loved it. The bonus was one on one time with each of them. They are becoming such neat people and it was fun to take time to capture their personalities. Besides, I think these are much better than school pictures.

There were many really great shots if I do say so myself but I can't show them all to you at this time due to a certain holiday coming up, if you know what I mean. Wink, wink.

Today, hubby is heading out to men's breakfast after which we will divide the family by gender and go shopping. The girls will pick out something for the boys and the boys will pick out something for the girls and then we'll take the kids out to lunch. We are going to opposite towns as mommy and daddy have some shopping to do for each other.

I mentioned traditions earlier. We only have a few so far and would like to add some. Bub always helps his dad load our tree in the truck and get it into the house. The girls always help me with the wrapping. Christmas Eve has this family singing Chrismas carols by candlelight and then driving around in their pajamas looking at Christmas lights. We will be adding a hot cocoa feature to that tradition this year.

Any other ideas for me?

We're taking suggestions.

Put your thinking caps on and help a girl out!