Christmas at Home

Christmas eve and day at our house was so fun.  Very relaxing.  When we got home from Leedey on Christmas eve Kinley still wasn't feeling too well, but both kids had so many new toys that they were entertained all day.  Christmas eve night we baked Happy Birthday Baby Jesus sugar cookies and decorated them.  Kinley and Griffin love to help in the kitchen and when cookies are involved it's a bonus.  The kids mixed, decorated, ate, and then we left some cookies on a plate for Santa.

Next up was the reindeer food.  We mixed oats with some sprinkles and then went out in the front yard and had the kids spread the reindeer food around.  We sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and they yelled for Santa and his flying friends to make sure and stop at our house.  We didn't stay out long because it was very cold.

We finally got the kiddos settled down and into some pj's.  We had been reading a new to us Children's Bible as part of our advent and we finished up the last story.  I really enjoyed reading out of the Bible every night for 24 days but I have to admit....the kids did not enjoy it.  My mom reminded me that even though they usually got bored and grabbed another book or toy, they could still hear me.

Christmas morning was just as fun as you would expect.  The kids kind of slept in (awesome!) but as soon as we went into their rooms and told them Santa had delivered, they became very excited and ran downstairs.  Ah, the magic of Christmas.

Oh, and it snowed Christmas day!  Fun!  It was supposed to be a blizzard but we'll take what we can get.

Side note:  I woke up with a sore throat and felt crummy but didn't really think much of it.  It was Christmas and I wanted to take it all in with my children.  By Christmas afternoon I started chilling.  Then I started aching all over.  Even my skin hurt to be touched.  Pretty soon it was clear I was sick.  I assumed it was the flu.  After the kids went to bed, I laid on the couch, hurting all over, and then here comes the fever.  Unfortunately, it was only going to get worse.

Facebook Status Today

My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears—through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, ...and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.

Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles—and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory.

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
—Psalm 63:2

We live by faith, not by sight.
—2 Corinthians 5:7

*This is from Jesus Calling.  I would very much recommend this daily devotional.

 

This was just what I needed today.

 

Christmas Excitement

I love all the buildup before Christmas.  Decorating, shopping, elves, advent, and answering lots of questions about Santa and doing the best we can to explain the real reason for the season.  We have jumped in the car after dinner several nights so we can enjoy the Christmas lights around town.  We decorated our own tree and didn't get too uptight about things being "perfect".  One of our favorite things to do is take the kids to Hallmark and let them pick out their Christmas ornament for the year.  They were both pretty overwhelmed with all the options but made predictable choices.  I received a special ornament from an even more special friend earlier in the year and was excited to finally get to put it on our tree.  The kids had their class parties and even our Santa visit was a success!  We also love to do some special baking and cooking during the month of December.  We made Chex mix and Christmas pizzas.  Lots of fun!

Kinley went a little wild picking out Christmas decorations.

The wonderment of kids at Christmas.

Her "waterfall".  She did it all by herself.

Kip is a little creepy.

Chesapeake's lights are some of our favorites.

Their ornament choices.

My Korea ornament from my friend, Leah.

Couldn't have asked for a better picture with Santa!

Homemade Christmas pizzas.  Kinley refused to eat them....

Griffin saying the prayer at his class Christmas party.

Miss Hannah and G

Miss Penny and G

Kinley going to town on her cake pop.

And G tagged along at K's party because that's what little brothers do.