When my Dad was about 18 months old grandma bought him this little suit and got his picture taken. So, with Andrew and Jacob we have taken pictures of them in the same suit, unfortunately I don't have those pictures with me (they are not digital and no scanner) but Michael is now 18 months and we took his picture right before Cyndi and her family left for Arizona (there visit was too short!). We didn't have a white shirt handy so the color pictures don't match but here is the black and white.
Today we went to the museum in the Woodlands Mall. It was a good time. There was a remote control car, trains, dinosaur area, a theater area, a musical area, a car you could draw on and critters to look at. We had a great time.
This morning I took a bunch of pictures of Cyndi and Jeremy's adorable children. We took the pictures on my parents farm in Texas - yes the grass is still green here! Here are some of my favorites.
First there is Andrew (6)
Then Jacob (3.5)
Then Michael (1.5)
Isn't he adorable?
All three boys
Then some of Cyndi and Michael or Jacob
The family
What a hansom family.
Christmas came early to us - about 6am. We came down stairs (see pictures) and unwrapping ensued. We had a good time and watching the kids play with all the new toys was fun.
The Savior taught us to be like little children and then we would be able to come unto him in every way. Last night was we acted out the Christmas story and our Wise Men (boys) were Jacob Selim, Andrew Selim, and David Leavitt. They did a great job at giving the first presents of the year to the baby Jesus. Well, tonight Cyndi told us the story of what Jacob (3.5 years) thought was really happening.
He thought that the gift he was getting for Christmas was the gift he was giving the baby Jesus and was willing to do it and in fact went and knelt before the Lord (baby doll in this case). He didn't think he was going to get another gift and was so very super excited when he found out that he was going to open one - he ran and got the wrapped empty box that had been his "gift" in the skit and then Cyndi realized what was happening and gave him his gift.
Isn't it interesting that the Lord asks for a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Little children truly do lead us in example and faith - I wish I could be that giving! I love you Jacob Boy, thanks for your great example!
Another tradition in our family is that we spend Christmas Eve together and then Christmas day is spent either at your own home (if you live in Houston) or with my parents (if you don't). So this year Bob and his family stayed in Wisconsin since they have a 3 1/2 month old baby but the rest of us were here. We don't eat traditional Christmas dinner but always have lots of wonderful food (we have turkey on Christmas day).
We had 4 babies born within a year (Joy, May 31st, Michael, July 3rd, Aurora, Dec 27th and Victoria, Jan 25th). We had to get a picture with all the babies. We had this same experience before but those babies are 6 or almost six (David, Andrew, Ethan and Lizzy).
Last night we gathered at five and Dallas and Beth also joined us (thanks guys, Dallas took the pictures). We ate really yummy dinner and then inspired by President Eyring's Christmas devotional talk about acting out the nativity (we go between that and a family talent show). The cast of children was incredible, we have very dramatic children, and Shelly did a good job narrating. Mama put together the program that went from Samuel the Lamanite to the Wise Men coming with songs to go along with each part. It was really good and we got to "throw" arrows (balls of foil) at Cameron who was our Samuel. It was fun! Can you guess what was happening from the pictures below?
Then of course there were tons of presents and opening them became a high priority. This year we bought family presents and everyone got great gifts (thanks everyone for making that fun).
We of course had to have dessert to end the night. What a fun and special memory for all of us! I feel so very grateful for such a wonderful and loving family - it is my favorite present of all.
A Christmas tradition in the Ball Family is peanut butter balls - every year we make them and then of course have to eat of the peanutty goodness.
So, last weekend Daddy, Mandy, Nathan and I made some. We also melted a little chocolate and dipped a few - yumm!
Daddy, Mandy and Nathan making them into to balls.
Nathan stirring the chocolate.
Nathan with our finished product!
I couldn't get a good picture of Mandy she kept moving or closing her eyes.
Our family recipe is very easy:
equal amounts of: peanut butter, kayro syrup, dry milk, and powdered sugar
Mix all together with your hands and then form into balls. Sprinkle more powdered sugar on a cookie sheet (to keep the balls from sticking) and then place the balls on the pan and into the ice box - I don't like them unless they are cold. Then you can dip them into chocolate, coconut, nuts, etc. We usually just eat them as is!
