It's Officially Christmas at Our House!

I know it's early for some people, but I was thrilled when my husband woke up this morning and suggested that we start our holiday baking!! I LOVE the Christmas season! It's about sooo much more than giving gifts! I wish the joyfulness and generosity of the season would last all year.
We had a lot of fun, Ry and Daddy made mint chocolate chip cookies while L and I made mint brownies. We were Christmas shopping last night and bought some Christmas tree and snowman shaped muffin pans at Target, my favorite store. So we tried them out today, I'll upload some pictures when we've managed to remove our goodies from the pan. For now, they are cooling and the little ones are napping.
I'm really excited about Christmas this year -- there is always something exciting about watching little ones' excitement about Christmas and we have two little ones to enjoy it! But also, this year, we are doing a much simpler, homemade Christmas! Back in September, my in-laws suggested that we all do homemade gifts. (This is so unlike them, they are big spenders at Christmas time and really enjoy blessing others!) My husband and I were both really excited about doing homemade gifts! we decided to extend the homemade gifts to my family and his staff members. We immediately compiled a list of who we wanted to give gifts to and what they might enjoy. Our list of ideas includes: "Baker, Bakers" (aprons), tote bags, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, frames, scrapbooks, movie baskets, recipes and seasoning sets, hot chocolate baskets, survival mugs, cookies, and jerky. I'm feeling pretty good, I've already started several gifts and all the aprons are almost completed! I just need to sew on the straps!