the gift.

a true gift is not something you can give yourself.

it has to be given by someone special.

it may not come from a mall. store. or site.

but it comes from the heart,

and has the givers prints. thoughts. and love all over it. 

a true gift brings no sadness. stress. or bad feelings.

but sweet joy to the getter.

and to the giver. 

thank you dear lila, my happiest little giver.

cheers and love.

home for the holidays.

...oh there's no place like home for the holidays.

christmas carols.

the gingerbread challenge.

we got serious about our gingerbread house this year.

we challenged a few couples to a contest.

we had official kits.

official rules.

and plenty of good cheer.

some fierce festive competitors.

who pulled out all the stops.

and worked like little elves to build the perfect confectionary creation.

a woodsy winter wonderland.

by far the cutest one of all. and dairy free to boot!

a perfectly piped palace.

and a candy cane creation, quite fitting for mr. and mrs. clause.

we may not have won.

or even come in second place.

but a jolly good time was had by all.

and blueprints are already being drawn up for next years.

do you think the gingerpoolhouse should have a fireplace too?

the great christmas pageant.

it's the most wonderful show of the year.

with the kids jingle belling.

and everyone telling "you're a christmas turtle?"

it's the most wonderful time of the year.

it's the hap-happiest season of all.

with those holiday greetings. and gay happy meetings.

when friends come to call.

it's the most wonderful time of the year!

(and yes lila, mommy sees you too!)

the christmas turtle.

tis the season for the great preschool christmas pageant.

time to put on your christmas dress. shiny shoes. and red bow.

and give a little spin.

and time for the christmas turtle costume.

the what? oh yes, the christmas turtle costume.

you know the two turtle doves?

trent played the part of a ninja turtle dove.

complete with a tail.

a part that requires great strength. 

great ninja moves.

and an even greater sense of humor.

because even the littlest burket, couldn't get over that tail.

literally.

and then we were off.

my doll and my turtle, and the proudest mom in town.