Christmas Break at the Schmalz Home

We just want to wish all of our loved ones a very Happy New Year! May this be the year that all of your dreams come true! From the cute little Schmalz snow bunnies!

This is how we have spent much of our vacation. All wrapped up watching one of the many movies we got this year, including, the Indiana Jones trilogy, Transformers, Pirates, and don't forget, Barbie Island Princess! Here the kids are wrapped up in what we fondly call the "cozy". It is our favorite blanket in the house, not because it is the prettiest, but because it is the coziest!

This is another way my kids have spent Christmas vacation... Reading. They are kids that love to read. We make it a tradition in our home to always include a great book in with all the rest of their Christmas wishes. Everyone always gets a great book or two. This years selections include "The Daring Book for Girls," "The Dangerous Book for Boys," "The Guinness Book of World Records," "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator," "The world Almanac for Kids 2008 edition." Just to name a few.

Hours of Christmas break FUN!

We also love getting all bundled up to go out and play in the snow.
What is it with kids though? We spend twenty minutes getting all dressed up and they spend five minutes outside! I guess that is the minimum requirement for the hot chocolate that follows playing out in the snow!

Here are the kids all decked out in their winter gear.
It has been a great Christmas for our family! It has been a different one though. It has been a rough year for us with Xandi switching to days and me cutting back my work hours. On top of the uncertainty of Xandi's health issues. I have worried and prayed many long hours the last part of this year. I want to thank all of you that have been such a great support to us. For all of you that have reminded me that Christmas is NOT about stuff and that I AM truly blessed. We are truly blessed!
Here is to a new year, to new experiences, to challenges, to brighter days, and better attitudes.
May we all remember how blessed we are and Cherish every minute we have with the people we LOVE!