T'was a very Merry Christmas

Christmas was a happy occasion in this house! Yes, the boys were awake very early, but they had been given instructions the night before that they were not to wake us up before 7am. They were very obedient and at 7 on the dot they were standing over me saying "Merry Christmas, Mommy". I would have liked to sleep a bit longer, but knew that the battle would have been lost before it began. Although tired, I was also excited because I knew they would be so surprised. Boy, were they! Both boys received Nintendo DS from their Granny. "J" and I bought a couple of games and they received money from both grandfathers. "IJ" (9yo) bought a wrestling belt for his little brother and "JJ" (6yo) bought the DVD of Narnia: Prince Caspian for his big brother. So, it was a good day all around.

Christmas Cheer (part deux)

We started a new family Christmas tradition last year. I have no idea where I found it or who wrote this poem, but I really like it. The boys and I printed about 50 copies and put them on the doors of our neighbors along with a candy cane. This year we did it again, but we did about 70 or 80. We also prayed that those who received it would want to know more about or Savior. Perhaps you might think of doing the same. I hope you enjoy it!

The True Meaning of the Candy Cane

Look at the candy cane

What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!

--Unknown

Christmas Cheer

I love Christmas! There is so much joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior. The boys put up the Christmas tree all by themselves on the day after Thanksgiving. We love to see the lights for as long as possible. Last week Friday we went caroling at an assisted living center with our homeschool group. The residents there were so excited and thanked the moms over and over for bringing the kids to see them. The kids did a great job singing and then handing out hand-made cards. I was so proud when "Little J" volunteered to play his recorder. While Christmas music was not in his repetoire, he did an excellent job. Not one mistake! Then on Sunday, we went with a group of children from church to carol at another assisted living center. This time we decorated cookies to share with the residents once the caroling was over. Our audience was once again thrilled with the entertainment. Children bring such joy!

Well, our Christmas baking has officially begun. Yesterday we made wonderful cranberry drop cookies. My mom used to make these when I was little. I didn't like them then, but I love them now. I found the recipe at Cooks.com. Today we made sugar cookies. That's always an adventure. I always have pictures (in my head) of a tray with artfully designed nativity scenes. Ha! Not here. We had 2 cookie cutters, blue and red sugar and white frosting. Oh well maybe next year. Tomorrow we will share our creations with our mailman and some neighbors. We will continue baking through the weekend and into next week. I'll show you what else we come up with. I hope you're enjoying this wonderful time of year as much as we are.