I am sad I forgot to take pictures at our Office Party this year, we ate at Market Street Grill, and took them all to see the Blue Man Group. Super fun, with staff that we love.
We love Christmas as a family, and have really enjoyed it the last few years since we started our 12 days of Christmas tradition. When we focus on the "J.O.Y. of the Season" Thinking J- Jesus first, then O-Others, and Y-Yourself last. Our 12 days this year were as follows:
Day#1- We spent time with Brandon Winger at his "ANYTHING FOR A FRIEND" event. There were so many familiar faces, and so many good people donating their time and money for such a great kid! So much to do, and see, and a great time to reflect on our good health and blessings we have.
Day#2- Honoring our Grandparents with a memory tree. We sat around thinking up memories and things that we love about both sets of Grandparents. Then we went and shopped around stores around town to buy ornaments representing those memories. We bought each a 4 ft. tree, lights, skirt and a plastic bin to fit it all in.
Day#3- We spent working on the memory book we made for each of them. We got a 3 ring binder and Logan spent time drawing/coloring (he was out of school for his wisdom teeth recovery) pictures that represented each memory, so that over the years they can look back and remember what each ornament represents. When he finished, we wrapped all the ornaments, packed up their bins and delivered it to their houses with instructions to open 1 package (an ornament) each day.
Day#4- McKennah had her choir concert at school.
Day#5- We went to the Christmas Sing-A-Long at Energy Solutions, they estimated about 10,000 in attendance they had an orchestra put on a concert with Alex Boye as a featured guest. We each received a giftpack of various coupons for tickets to a Buzz game, free popcorn at a Larry H. Miller movie theatre, 10% off at Fanzz, free zipline at the Rocky Mountain Raceway, etc. etc.
Day#6- Was an early Scott Family Christmas Party. With the way the holidays fell this year, it was necessary to fit it all in. Is was of course wonderful, McKennah represented our family this year in the program by singing O Holy Night, we stayed a while and played "Telestrations" a new family favorite. It was a good time had by all.
Day#7-We started the tradition of our own Family Memory Tree. I had purchased ornaments unbeknownst to the family of memories from the past, and mainly from this year. Wrapped them up and played a game where each would take turns pulling an ornament from the bag then tried to guess what/who the ornament represented. It was a fun tradition, think that this has made the permanent list on our 12 Days!
Day#8- We always had a day where we would read Christmas books and drink Hot Chocolate. This year we did just that but I had made personalized books for each kid. I wanted a book just for them to highlight their accomplishments and feel love from family that they can use and refer to when life gets a little rough. Loss of sleep was had trying to finish these in time, but by the smile on their faces, TOTALLY worth it. ;)
Day#9- Was time for the twins to show off their vocal talents at the Bluff Ridge Elementary Sing-a-Long they didn't really want to go, but what can I say.....they are the last of my elementary schoolers.
Day#10- Shopping for and delivering gifts to our SUB FOR SANTA FAMILY. There was a sweet family that contacted us at the office and said that they heard from a friend that we had helped struggling families before for Christmas and wondered if we could help them this year. It was a sweet lady with 7 children who's husband left her the day after Thanksgiving. She was nervous because she had tried all other avenues but it was past the date to apply. This is always one of our kids most favorite days, they each chose a name and were set off free reign in Target to shop for one of the children, and after spending a few hours wrapping, we bundled up and delivered them that night.
Day#11- Another family favorite each year is our day of "sweating" service.
We tried to volunteer at the Family Connection Food Pantry again, but they said they were packed with help. (So nice to hear!) So we scheduled a day at the Bishop's Storehouse in Layton.
We were utilized for 4 1/2 hours lifting, packaging, carrying, and boxing toilet paper, then weighing, bagging, tying, and packaging peanuts. It was 4 1/2 hours of complete entertainment. A time to be appreciative of what we have, and most of all a time to give back. Love, love, love, serving with my family!
Day#12- Was the Estoque Family Christmas Party at Cheryl and Curtis's house. The potluck was casseroles and jello. Sooo Cheryl ;). We sang Christmas carols to get in the spirit, had a $5 gift exchange and played Farkle. There is nothing better than hanging out with the fam.
Uncle Darren's package was a hit! He sent "Swatches" for the girls, and Nacho Libre masks for all the boys! Soooo fun -- we've been on the hunt for these FOREVER!
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