Christmas Accessories

I have long stated that a new accessory has the power to bring last year's outfit to this year. I'm not so sure that applied to this year's Christmas accessory themed party at Youth Group. I was SO shocked proud at how well our youth grabbed hold of the idea!

 Christmas Bingo

Kerry-the-fabulous with a Pinterest perfect treat!

Jon the red cheeked Reindeer

Hot gift! Played much like hot potato except you unwrap when the music (or Pandora ad) stops :)

Grace the Christmas tree. She wrapped her shoes so there were even gifts under the tree, clever!

I have no idea what her White Elephant could be...

Dakota received the gift of blindness? :)

I was also pleasantly surprised by the caliber of the White Elephant gifts: old but working iPads, Coke cooler, Frozen T's, new Bath and Body lotions, etc. Way to go! I sense a rising tide of new White Elephanters!

Acceleration!

Annual Meeting take eight!  time flies when you're working for a great company - Peter noted that I had more 'years of service' than anyone else at my table! Hard to believe. It was another wonderful Christmas Party and celebration.

Looking good in 2014!

Me and Jax, my partner in crime!

The annual Pac Man play!

 Ooo lala such a pretty new truck!

Accelerating into the future!

Party Party Party

This is the theme of our life right now, on the weekends anyway!

Friday night we got invited as bonus guests to another Sunday School Class' Christmas party.  I think it's because we're uproariously funny and the life of any party, but it might just be that we live close, don't have kids, and were available....hard to say.

The first cheesecake of Christmas! Not really actually, I had a slice the night before come to think of it. This one was made from scratch and really tasty!

Jacob, the perennial salesman, trying to sell his White Elephant.  And me, giving my gift a test run!

Ohhhh Petah Dahhhhhling! So polite with his espresso! Pinkies up!

annnnd this is your new lock screen photo when you leave your phone unattended! dang kids! :)

Saturday morning brought the long anticipated Baby Pater shower! I just cant believe that the girl I share my most vivid childhood memories with, I'm talking playing baby dolls at preschool, is about to bring forth life into this world! It was a beautiful celebration of life and friendship.

I made cookies as the favor, there's very little Kari loves more than an edible favor! ;)

The details were in the decorations! Even the snowflakes were actually in the shape of baby bottles!

 A hot chocolate bar for our coffee hating, and sweet loving, friend

Hostesses with the mostesses

And all the girlfriends.  I have sweet memories with each one of these ladies. Friendship is a gift.

Saturday night was Peter's office party, and before you say it or think it, they invite various other people whom they work with, it's not just his brothers and dad! Peter and I enjoyed chatting with various people, a delicious meal, and a two topping dessert. We even got gift bags! What a treat! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! And we're so blessed to know the real reason for celebration, and are growing in him more each day.

Twas the weekend after Thanksgiving

And all through the house, the kitties were after each other, and not a mouse...
But the people were busy bees shopping and running errands!

And off to the ballet. Another great job from Ms. Eliza. She had a starring role as the family's daughter, and a reprisal role as a plaid stocking :)

Saturday brought decorating and trimming the trees. It was the best day of Madge's life. She played SO hard all morning that by 4 pm she was nothing but a puddle of kitten curled up on the bed. Which was then the best day of Regina's life :)

Even naughty kittens still get love :) 

Our freshly cut tree, from Kingma's parking lot....ha!

Voila! Turns out it's kind of a Scandinavian Christmas around here.

This was taken before all of the ornaments three feet and lower were, 'harvested'.

Fun start to the Christmas Season!

Turkey Festivus!

Thursday was a day for celebrating with family, and celebrate we did!  

We started in Schoolcraft with a delicious meal, a huge dessert spread, and naps during the Lions WIN!

Then it was back to the hometown for family time with the Van Horns - what a crowd!

Peter was in his element - little ladies :)

Megan and Aunts Judy and Jean

Uncle Paul and Ivon

DANA!

Matt, Brian, and Dad

Noah, Logan, and Kayla trying new foods

Wyatt and Cam having a little disagreement about whose fruit pizza it really was. No fisticuffs though - whew!

We are thankful for so many things, but if you're reading this, we're especially thankful for you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Schmidt Squared

GFS has never been so cute! Recently a few of us threw a baby shower for the Karla and her twin boys, and in my humble opinion, I think it was a darling success :)

Karla and the lovely decor

Amy the hostess with the mostess and mastermind.

Guests enjoying the delicious lunch

All the party planners

Now we wait for their big moment of arrival! yay!