Christmas Fun Days 13, 14, 15!

I don't think our schedule will be settling down until sometime this coming weekend!  So, again here is another recap of some of the things we have done. 

I think Tinsel has been tired like we have been.  So much rushing going on and trying to keep up with the kiddos is exhausting!  He has brought the nativity cards and prophecy cards, but seems to forget a joke or to-do card from time to time.  I guess he figures we have enough to-do right now and doesn't need to add one more to the list!  Haha.

Saturday, we took the kids to Ice Age Dinosaurs Alive.  Little Man wanted to go as part of his birthday gift.  He was really into it and enjoyed himself.  The displays were nice and informative.  However, I think the whole thing was a bit overpriced.  Oh, well....you live and learn and let the kids have fun.

After the dinosaur outing, we grabbed pizza and guess who was there.  Santa!  Boy, did that surprise Little Man.  I wish I had thought to take a pic!

The children had their Christmas Encounter choral program that evening.  My parents came up to hear them sing.  Our church always does a great job with the music programs.  Afterwards, we went out to eat and Little Man went home with my parents. 

Sunday morning, Egee and I headed off to church services.  We then had a few hours to run a couple of errands before heading back to day two of the Christmas Encounter program.  Santa Claus came through the neighborhood on the firetruck before we left for the program! 

D-man came to hear her sing tonight.  She was so excited that her big brother would be there.

Monday morning, we trekked over to my parent's house to pick up Little Man.  We then went to Life Way book store to see the Compassion Experience.  We learned about two children that lived in poverty and how Compassion has helped them become successful adults.  It was very eye opening for the children.  We discussed third world situations and how children often suffer.  We will begin to pray about which child God would like for us to sponsor and begin a sponsorship in January. 

Christmas Fun Days 9, 10, 11, and 12!

This has been a busy week!  Wrapping up tidbits of schooling, choir rehearsals, library classes, basketball practice, Christmas parades, etc. have kept us going nonstop. 

Tinsel has been busy moving from place to place. 

We were cold, but enjoyed the Christmas parade.  Egee was in it with her dance company.

The choir is sounding great during their rehearsal.  Can't wait to see the performance!

We had a wonderful field trip to Walnut Grove Plantation!  The children learned about games during the late 1700s and made a toy.  We then toured the grounds and learned more about the era.  Our tour guide was great! 

Our schedule isn't looking any less busy for next week!  Even though we are busy, we are enjoying every moment and look forward to every day.  Tis' the season!

Christmas Fun Days 6,7, and 8!

Okay, things got a little busy this weekend and I didn't have a chance to be at the computer.  So, here is the recap of what fun we have had the last three days!

Saturday, December 6

Rain, rain, go away!  We didn't get to attend the Christmas parade this morning.  It was cold and pouring rain.  Oh, well....extra sleep for the kiddos.

Tinsel had fun last night playing Scrabble.

Egee had her dance Christmas Party in the afternoon.  She had fun with her friends.

Sunday, December 7

We were up early to attend the 9:30 service at church.  Little Man and other G-Tunes choir members sang for the congregation.  They did a great job!

Out with friends for lunch and then home to rest before going to the G-Tunes musical.  Big brother D-man was able to join us today.  That made it extra special for the kiddos.

The G-Tunes musical was fantastic.  Everyone did a great job!

Egee stayed at church for her choir Christmas Party.  She said it was great and even had a fondue fountain!

Monday, December 8

Tinsel tried to disguise himself today.  He must have known it was going to be a cold dreary day again today.  He ordered pumpkin muffins and apple cider for a treat.  Yummy!

We did a bit of school work and much housework today.  Trying to stay on top of things!

Now off we go to dance!

Christmas Fun, Day 5!

Tinsel decided to try and blend in with the marshmallow family.  Little Man was delighted with the message for hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. 

I fixed a special treat for breakfast, to go with the hot chocolate mandate.  Both children were ecstatic when they smelled the hot cinnamon rolls!  Yum, yum!

We read and colored the advent cards, did school work, and relaxed on a dreary day.

Christmas Fun, Day 4!

Little Man decorated the china hutch and Tinsel somehow got tangled in it on his entry back home last night.

Tinsel left instructions for us to make a Christmas craft today.  So, after the advent cards were read and colored, school work completed, 'The Making of Peter Pan Live' watched, we made bead/cookie cutter crafts.

The bead/cookie cutter craft was fun and easy.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Next, spray cooking PAM lightly inside the cookie cutters.  (This will help release the beads.)  Now, let the children place pony beads inside the cookie cutters.  They can arrange the beads any way they like.  The only thing is they must have a single layer of beads.  While the children work with the beads, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Once the beads are in the cookie cutters,  place the cookie pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.  Ours took 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let them cool before removing from the cookie cutter.  (If you want to have hole in the ornament for hanging, gently use a toothpick to create a hole in the hot ornament.)  Super easy and fun!

Oh, what fun we had today!