Merry Christmas

Our Christmas was spent close to home in the morning and then joining up with my family in the afternoon for more presents and a great present-snow!! It was such a great Christmas to celebrate. The only down side was some sickies that got passed to Isaac at this point. I do hope everyone enjoyed the blessings of Jesus Christ. Enjoy the slideshow!

Another free digital scrapbooking design by Smilebox

A few fun Christmas Eve traditions

This year we had a quiet Christmas Eve. We were able to attend our church's service which was so lovely and had a true worship focus. The kids attended with us and it was great to see how excited they were about the candles and the music. Even better, was the worship experience afterwards where the kids could participate and go around to stations and be involved in worshiping Jesus. I had a beautiful moment with Vivian. We walked up to a station where the focus was God's Word. There were chalk plates placed out with chalk where your family could write a verse that God had laid on your heart and Vivian picked one up and before I could say anything wrote a verse that we've been focusing on in Sunday school. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." I was overflowing with love and appreciation for God's word and all those who are helping to place it in my child's heart. Merry Christmas truly!

Jen's set ups- snowmen and table

I do love love all the fun get togethers that can take place in December. I was happy to host a mom's group dinner at my house this year which turned out really nice. Here's a quick pic of the table. Thanks mom for loaning me your china! The only sad part is that Vivian got sick that evening and then the fun rounds began. Also, another big thanks to my mom for attending Vivian's class party. That is about the time the sickies hit me! Still, I was able to make these cute snowmen thanks to pinterest. I think they turned out quite cute. I heard the kids had a good time too. Hopefully, I'll be able to be there in February for Valentine's day!

A Fun Holiday Family Day

Before the sickies hit our house, we did have a couple of fun weekends in December. This one included a viewing of the Polar Express at our local museum in pj's! The kids had fun with a couple of activities beforehand and of course hot, hot chocolate. I think they're favorite part was getting to be out and about in pj's. My favorite part was In and Out burger afterwards. It was quite impressive to me. I get the hype. We decided to venture back out in the evening to go see some impressive lights. Both kids fell asleep on the way there but we thought these trees were worth waking them up. Some fun pics.

Making Treats

I love getting our kids involved with giving! That is the point of the season although it's so easy to get missed with the incredible amount of commercialism that goes on! This year, both kids were curious how they could help make treats for their classmates. Although it's small, they are seeing people outside of themselves which I love! Here are a couple of pics of the kids helping with treats and our sweet little friend Kyndall joining in the fun as well.

Parents Night Out

We count it a privilege

to serve at our church with the kids. It's really a fun time and there is never a shortage of precious and crazy moments. Here are a couple of pics from our parents' night out.

Setting up Christmas Deco

This year seems quieter for some reason and let me say Thank you Lord!!! I am really just enjoying the stillness and sweet small moments even with my four pack. Here are some pics of us setting up Christmas in 80 degrees mind you. The kids are getting to an age they are understanding more and more. I was so thrilled to pull out our decorations with them and have them get so excited over a stuffed animal! More importantly, I love that Vivian is now reading our Jesse Tree stories. It's so fun to hear their curious questions about Jesus' family members and how messy life is even in the Bible. I love that God allows us to be messy and uses our messes for His glory. Enjoy some pics.