My Christmas Loves

 

 

Day 23: Elsener Skypemas

Day 22: Cousin Sleepunder

It was one the events we were most looking forward to in our 25 days of celebration...all eight kiddos together for COUSIN SLEEPUNDER! (Under meaning all the good stuff, except doing the actually sleeping at home). 

 There was crafting...

There were photo shoots amongst the playing...

  

There was movie watching and snuggling...

 And a good time had by all! Just two more nights until the big day arrives.

NOTE: Day 21 consisted of a morning playdate with friends and afternoon cookies with E, B, and C but I forgot to take pictures!

Day 19 & 20: Homemade PlayDough and Teething Biscuits

Homemade Holiday Playdough:

Combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup salt, 2 TBS cream of tartar and mix.  Mix with 1 TBS vegetable oil, 1 cup water and food coloring. Stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.  Once dough forms to ball, remove from heat. Allow to cool and knead the dough on floured surface.  We added glitter and peppermint extract to make it festive!

Baby Teething Biscuits (recipe courtesy of my sister):

Mix together 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 3 T applesauce. Mix and knead, roll out dough and cut into shapes.  Bake on greased cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.

Day 17 & 18: Ornaments, Friends and Cookies

Day 17: Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments

 Day 18: Holiday Playdate with Ava, Owen and cookies!

 

67

Today would have been my dad's 67th birthday. He's always on my mind, but particularly at this time of year between his birthday and holidays.  And although at the time, we didn't know Christmas 2007 was going to be our last with Dad, I remember him feeling well and it being a great celebration of family.

 

And since his last Christmas with us, our family has just grown and expanded with beautiful little people who carry on his spirit and life.  Since then we now have Seamus, Colin, Saoirse, Olivia and Graham.   We are very blessed with a loving and supportive family that he helped create and nurture.

 

 I love and miss you Dad.  Happy birthday.

Day 16: Zoo Lights