Christmas is here, Glory to the newborn King!
Our month has been busy. I enjoy all the traditions and activities that come along during Christmas time, but I'm also looking forward to the slower, quieter days that follow with the New Year.
I don't want to forget -
Taking the girls to school for their annual Breakfast with Santa.
Abigail didn't want her picture with Santa this year but after her 3rd grade teacher offered up 5 paw prints to do it, she was game.
We got our Christmas tree a little earlier than usual. The man told us these trees last up to 8 weeks, J came home and said well we only need it to last 3 of the 8. And so far it's held up well, not too dead yet.
Beverly sent the girls a computer advent. Each day they unlock another part of the Christmas town. They've had fun doing the new days activity. I love the snowman they created to represent themselves.
I bought a bunch of felt heart ornaments last year after Christmas and this year made them into a banner to hang over the fireplace. I think next year I want to make a paper banner that says "joy to the world" or " the Lord has come" or something. My stocking might hide it so maybe I'll divide it and put half the saying on each side of the fireplace on a bookshelf.
I also want to remember how and where Ash sets up her own nativity scene. This year she's kept it right in front of the fireplace.
The first graders and Kindergartners put on a Christmas program, they did How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Ash had a speaking part she said, "and the Grinch with his Grinch feet, ice-cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling."
It was a very cute program!
Abigail is in the school choir this year. The choir also was a part and sang a couple song in the beginning. Christmas Feud was Abigail's favorite song. You can actually still catch her singing it around the house.
We had a little snow. Thankfully it came on a Saturday and the girls played in it all day long. We're really hoping we get a white Christmas this year!
One of my favorite Sundays of the year is the Children's Christmas Program at church. I love listening to our children sing praises to our King. And the story they tell is so important, how a baby came to bring light to the world.
A favorite tradition of mine is getting together with my sweet friends (friends that God put in my life so many years ago) for our annual cookie decorating party. I am so thankful for these beautiful, Christian women and I love that our children are growing up as friends too.
The talk around the house has been about Beyblades. After Luke introduced the girls to them that's all they've thought about. The girls were so thrilled to get beyblades from the boys. I always get a little chocked up thinking about the special relationship these 5 have. They consider each other family. And I do too.
School days were busy. Especially that last week. The girls came home with many cute projects. Abigail had a gingerbread decorating afternoon with all the 4th graders. Ash had a pajama day - filled with watching Polar Express, eating popcorn balls, and doing a book exchange. Abigail was given an award at the assembly for respecting others. Her class had a pancake breakfast and watched Home Alone.
One evening we drove over to see some Christmas lights we had heard about. It was the best lights we've ever seen. Christmas lights to music is very cool.
We celebrated Christmas with my sister yesterday. The time with her and her family was nice and I was so happy to see them! But it's sad to think that after spending 33 Christmases with my sister this year we wont be together. Maybe that's why I've been so teary today. I cried as Jason said goodbye and told him I didn't know why I was crying but as I write it out now I know.
I understand how it has come to be this way but it still is hard and makes me sad.
I don't want to leave on a sad note because I do see joy all around me - like the joy of watching my 2 girls together.
Merry Christmas!
