Decorating our TREE

This post is a little behind schedule. We decorated our tree 2 weeks ago and I haven't set the time aside to blog. The kids get an ornament every year, so it is so fun for them to open the box and find their own special ornaments. We love this time of year.

Carter finding all of the hidden treasures in our ornament box.

This was Madalyn's ornament from 2 years ago. She painted this herself!

These 2 ornaments were Matt's. Carter was excited to find them.

Hayden hanging up his ornaments. If you look really close at the picture, you can see his ornament from preschool. It is a picture of Hayden and I.

Paige loved finding her princess ornaments. She just wanted to sit and play.

Gannon's first ornament hanging.

Matt is hanging up his Christmas tree that he painted 2 years ago.

This was my wreath that I painted 2 years ago.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

WE had our ward Christmas party on Saturday morning. The kids enjoyed seeing friends, making crafts and eating breakfast. They are so excited to have Santa come to our home. I am excited too!! Bailey telling Santa what she wants.

The entire family with Santa.

Madalyn making a wreath.

Gannon's first picture with Santa. My friend Sheri Zaugg gave Gannon a shirt that says, "all Mommy wants for Christmas is a silent night".

Hayden and Santa

Before we left for the breakfast on Saturday, Carter notified me that he would not be sitting on Santa's lap. I said that is fine. He reminded me that he was 10 years old. Well, when he walked up on the stage, Santa told Carter to sit on his lap and he immediately obeyed. He even gave him a side hug!!!

Bailey loves Santa.

Paige cried and cried telling us that she was not going up to see Santa. Well, we made her go up anyway and she loved it so much that she went up 2 more times.

I am a mother to a teenager!!

As I was driving our car to Madalyn's school on her birthday, to pick her up for lunch, my heart almost stopped as I realized that I am a mother to a teenager. When I first became a mother, I would have a hard day, and wonder to myself if the day would ever arrive when I would have a teenager. That would then mean I would be close to being "done" raising the kids. Well, after a few children, I began to realize how fast time flies by and I stopped wondering when the day would arrive that I would be "done". I also realized you are never "done". So now back to driving in the car, I began to think about Madalyn's life and how wonderful she is and that is when I realized she was THIRTEEN. It made me understand once again that my time with my children is so precious and so short. I only have a small number of years to be with my children all of the time and that is it. So with that said I am excited to announce that I am officially a mother to a teenager and I love it!!!

Madalyn is a wonderful daughter. She has taught me many things about being a better person. I am grateful that she is my first born!

She asked me to make her chocolate vinegar cake with a fudge frosting on top. It is nothing fancy but she loves it. So, therefore, I love it!!

She wanted money for her birthday this year. She wanted to go shopping to buy new clothes. Madalyn received her wish!!

Christmas Tree Hunting 2010

The Newell annual trek to find a tree began at 4:06pm and ended at 4:35pm. We found out tree immediately and got a rockin deal. We paid $15 for a Noble. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....... We hope that you have all found your trees and are enjoying the smell of pine needles!!!
When we first arrived, the owner of the tree farm asked us if we would like a picture. Of course we said, "Yes".

Our dear Madalyn!

Gannon all bundled up in search of his first little Newell family Christmas tree.

Love!

Matt took this awesome picture! I love it.

Our fun, crazy, happy, loving children.

Matt cutting the perfect tree.

The owner asked us if he could just put the tree in his truck and drive it to our home. Oh yeah! It was amazing customer service.

Matt and Carter hauling the tree inside.

Pushing the tree us straight. "It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas".

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! Our first snow fall arrived in perfect time. School was canceled on Tuesday, so I took off and went to Eugene early. Matt joined us late on Wednesday night. We had a great time playing Ticket to Ride, football, eating great food, laughing, shopping, and sleeping. The kids love going to Grandma's house to be with their cousins. It was a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope that all of you had a great week too!!

The kids were so excited because it snowed.

They could hardly fall asleep the night before.

There was constant chatter coming from the bedrooms early in the morning!

Madalyn made a pie with Grandma on Tuesday. She did an excellent job. Thanks for teaching her how to make a pie Mom.

Carter and Hayden played an intense game of football with their uncles, Rich and Jeff.

Paige and Isabella joined in on the fun outside too!

Isabella was very sweet with Gannon.

Turkey Bowl 2010!

Everyone warming up for the big game.

The warm-up shuffle.

Tricia and Jennifer were real troopers and joined the kids for football. Way to go girls!

Paige hiking to Uncle Darren.

Bailey hiking to Uncle Rich.

Here is the whole gang!

Gannon's first Thanksgiving. Who is the bearded man holding him?

Gannon being held by a familiar face!!!

Aunt Fer Fer.

Jeff, Ashlee, Rich and Julie getting ready for the big feast.

The day after Thanksgiving, the guys went to an Oregon Duck game at Autzen Stadium. GO DUCKS!

It is tradition in the Newell Family to go and get the Christmas tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Here are the girls ready to get on the trailer and go get a Noble.

Here is the clan.

Rich and Isabella!

Bailey standing on a newly cut tree stump!

Paige and Matt.

Mom, Tricia, Ash and William

Grandma and Grandpa with Gannon.

Jen

The kids love to run around playing tag at the Christmas tree farm.

Rich was our trusty tree cutter.

This is the famous tree that will live in Mom and Dad's living room for 1 month.

Isabella

Madalyn with our little Gannon.

Wilhoit family!

Newell Family 2010

Krebs Family!!

Part of the group getting ready to get back on the trailer and buy our tree.

Carter and Hayden waiting to go home!

The kids gathered around the fire singing songs.

Matt and I!!

I love this bearded man! Can't wait until December. He will be shaving it OFF!!

Ben all cuddled up and warm.

Little William.

Bailey and Gannon.

Paige! Oh sweet Paige!

I love Julie! She and Rich traveled from Arizona to be with us. Love you guys! See you soon.