Smith Christmas 2011

Here is our Christmas 2011 with some extras(:

First the extra: We had to replace our windshield thanks to a hard headed smith male in the family. While being upset Michael jump while in the front seat of the van and smashed the window. his head was fine but I cant say the same about the windshield. So that became one of our family Christmas gifts.

The rest of Christmas went great and all were happy.
We even got a couple of letters from Santa this year and let us know where each were in their standings. Then on Christmas we found another letter of good wishes and encouragement of this new year(:
Well here are the Smith Christmas pictures.
The kids waiting for their Christmas cereal before church. That is all we did before church and the rest was after church. They were so good in waiting.

Before church The true meaning of Christmas and our focus. Before anything was touched(:

While all the kids had cereal Timothy had clementines. He loved them.

Now after church and time together(: In our family we have a tradition of opening gifts one at a time from youngest to oldest. This may take time but it helps all to enjoy in what everyone was blessed with and not just themselves(: It is a time of togetherness and patience(:Timothy opening his first gift. We love books in our family and that is another tradition each year at Christmas. The kids ( and us)always get a new book or set of books.

Timothy

Matthew and Michael (still love Dino's)

Seth

Emma

Adam ( Adam loves to read) (:

We also do some DVDs for the kids and family. Human planets is a wonderful set to get. Harry Potter, Cheaper by the dozen 2 (which I am sure is so not true) hehehehe. And of course some for Josh(:

I know this is along post. Bear with me a little longer(:

A few bigger gifts we were blessed with due to great deals on Black Friday were as follows: Josh's new 45.

The kids got Lego's(great deal)(:

From Great Grandpa the kids all got bikes for Christmas ( we were blessed to find used ones on Craigslist for Josh and I)

I have looked for years for this painting. It hung up in our family room and has special meaning to me. After seeing it in Oct at the DC Temple my search had finally came to an end and I was blessed to get this for our family. I hope it will have special meaning for our kids as it did for me.

We exchange gift with extended family members for Christmas. This year Jenny and Dave had us. Jenny blessed us with her talent. All were very grateful and happy for what they got(: They are so beautiful and are on our mantle on the fireplace where they will stay(:

Timothy has the right idea. I know I am bushed after all of this how about you(: