Tradition in Question

      Meet the sole survivor of our Christmas gingerbread trio. This is Mac's confectionery creation. I was sad I didn't get a picture of the other two before they bit the dust.  Four batches of dough and a good five hours went into the making of these bad boys but I ran into all sorts of problems from lack of experience and a poor design. It seems like a wonderful tradition but I'm questioning weather it was worth all the time and effort for 20 minutes of decorating by the kids. I suggested to Zach that we use a kit or graham crackers next year but he was appalled. Homemade gingerbread or don't bother. Hmmm... we shall see. I think if I do it again they will definitely be smaller and the front piece will extend up to the roof for more support. Perhaps I am wise enough now to make a successful go at it. Hopefully those lessons will be as sticky in my brain as the royal icing on the house. Oh the things we do for our kids!

Christmas Nativity

This is the cast and crew of our first annual Hutchins Christmas eve nativity. Meet the adorable shepherd Kenny and his sheep dog Ruthie, the angel Gabriel and our wise man David, and of course Mary and baby Jesus played by yours truly and Lincoln. Being the versatile actor that he is Zach filled in for all the other parts- Joseph, King Herod and the scripture reader/narrator. Besides getting a little rowdy the kids did a good job following along. Getting to wear costumes from the costume box didn't hurt either. It's fun to have a family big enough to put on our own nativity. 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I like it here. It's growing on me. It feels more like a town than a city, especially if you drive 5 minutes south from our home. Two weeks ago it was COLD, as in highs of 8 degrees. Outside was also beautiful though so I grabbed the camera and took a drive. I felt kind of bad for the horses, but they seem to be hearty Fort Collins stock. Come visit us and see for yourself. 

All I want for Christmas

I already got what I wanted for Christmas, everything else is just extra.  

 Mac sneaking a peak at the family gift. Wish you were here to hold this little guy. He's so cuddly and lovable. Mac's pretty cuddly himself come to think of it. 

Poetry

As I gazed out the window at the night snow falling last week I commented to Zach that it looked like poetry outside. To which my loving husband replied, "Why don't you go take a picture then?" Good idea. It may or may not have been in the negatives when I took these though, so while most of me was warm in my winter coat, my trigger finger was not so lucky. My fingers were very grateful when I decided to go back inside. 

Mirror mirror on the wall

     Before Zach hung up our large mirror in the dinning room it was propped in the corner of our bedroom. The perfect height if you are not quite two years old. Recently I have caught Ruthie staring at herself in this mirror. It is not just for a passing glance either. She would spend 15-20 minutes just hanging out with herself. I don't think it was so much vanity as having found a friend just her size to play with. Then again, if I were that cute, I might spend 20 minutes in front of the mirror too. I wonder if she misses her friend Ruthie-in-the-mirror.

New Born Photos

This is what me and baby Lincoln did this Sunday when we stayed home from church. I know there is a lot but it was hard to be selective. New babies are so cuddly and tiny and then you blink and the new born phase is gone. He already has our heart. 

Thanksgiving Lighting

I think you would agree that candle light at a meal some how makes it a little more special. A little out of the ordinary from the electric brightness we are used to. Perhaps a little romantic or reverent. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, a little more authentic. We enjoyed our holiday meal lit by these two small candles that the boys brought home from school. For children candles give twice, once for their firelight and once when they get to blow the candle out. Here's to a more candlelight dinners.

David's S shaped candle he dipped and brought home from kindergarten

Gabe's authentic beeswax candle he made at his Westward Expansion party. 

Hard to Stay Awake

This little guy is 4 years old and hasn't had "nap time" in over a year. When it gets to be time for Book of Mormon and prayers at the end of the day sometimes he just can't quite make it through.The expectation of ten minutes of sitting still is just too much and flop- over he goes. In the bottom picture he made it through the reading part but zonked out when his eyes closed for prayers. I'm pretty sure I can't even get into position #1 right now, much less fall asleep in it. Bless him.