Christmas coal and other goodies.

Christmas coal. That's what I told my kids Santa left for them. Witness the reaction, and Braxton's initial optimism. Hopes quickly dashed, the children fall into utter disgust.

Yeah, I know I am mean- but it makes for the funniest of videos. This is a classic, don't you agree?

There's spies in them there trees!

(One of Santa's Bird Friends.)

Okay, I admit it. I am not above telling others what I want them to hear to produce the end result that I want. This holds true in almost every aspect of my life. It is true that I would excel in the field of politics or political staffer. I am very good at spinning things so as to appear a certain way. Now, how does this and the above picture relate? Good question. I'll tell you how.

If you didn't know, Santa has his own special espionage agents. Sure, they look like harmless birds, but what you don't know is that they are spying on you and reporting their findings back to Santa Claus. Each time you see a bird, you have to be especially good so that they tell Santa all the good things you do.

I have noticed how good my kids are when a bird is around. I think it's working.

The Annual Rudd Christmas Party

Every year, my mom's family throws a Christmas party and it is usually pretty fun. This year was a bummer because my gramps passed away only a few short months ago. He was so sassy, and that is what always made the party a "PAR-TAY". The party was much fun, so I will share some of the good pics I snapped.

Jack wasn't sure about Santa.. that is until he produced a candy cane. Then Jack was totally down with Santa.

Before food:

After food:

Braxton with Santa... explaining the condition of his room (oh no!).



Addie with Santa. Telling him she wants only 2 things: an ipod and a Nintendo DS. Hey, at least they're cheap gifts. (sheesh!)



My Gramma is the best in the west! She is a card carrying member of the red hat club. And she tells everyone. I love her!!

Gramma and Addie.

Grams has some Alzheimer's, as evident in the following video. She forgets what she is doing and figures "to hell with it... I will do a little dance number, instead". She's the best!

Gramma's got skills! At least according to Braxton.