I also have canned 80 lbs. of chicken and 25 lbs. of beans. (needless to say we all like chicken and beans lately) In the past 4 weeks I have made 17 loaves of bread! White, wheat, cinnamon, banana nut,and pumkin chocolate chip. Luckily I haven't eaten all those. (pretty close though)
I am also the "scrooge" this year. I didn't even want to put up a tree. We did though. And I let my kids do ALL the 15 ornaments that I didn't have to look through all my crap for. And they were so excited about doing it! Even though it is a VERY sad tree I didn't think they noticed until Levi said the other day, "mom, I think our tree needs some more ornaments and lights!" OK so he is right. I told him maybe we would actually decorate it for Christmas Eve. MAYBE
We had my family Christmas party. Sophie and Phil were in charge. We had a great dinner, $15 gift exchange, made cookies and took them caroling, my kids got to make crafts, and of course alot of laughs. Thanks Soph and Phil. A job WELL done.
Malarie and I were also in the "Nutcracker" this year for the Mountain Dream Dance Company. It was fun, but alot of work. Rehersals started in September and went till last weekend when we performed. I was in the party scene. Malarie was in the battle scene, snow scene, and she was a candy kid. I LOVED watching her dance in this performance. She looks so old and her ballet has come a long way since she started 5 1/2 years ago. Way to go sis!
We have been so blessed lately up here in the mountains with moisture. So therefore have had quite a few snow days. This one is with Uncle Phil, who is so fun and makes the coolest snowman EVER! We hope he waits a little longer to become a dad because my kids ALL get so much attention from him and Aunt Sophie. hehe
I don't have a picture to prove it, but my older kids have each had 2 days to ring the Salvation Army bell. It has been a great experience for both of them. And none of the days were good weather. Which made them grateful to have a warm house after 4 hours of freezing cold temperatures. They made alot of money for people in need. Although after explaining what they were doing this for, Levi told my mom he could be collecting the money for us. He is so funny. Well this year we have really been trying to focus on the TRUE meaning for the season and my kids have done wonderful! I am so proud of them. We didn't send out Christmas cards this year, but if I did they would have had these pictures on them and said, MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TUCKFIELDS. Hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
