Some Pictures and An Update

Well, here are some pictures that I finally got off of the camera that show some of what has been happening lately.




This is my little shepherd before his big debut...Garrett looked so cute in his costume!

Now this is Garrett as the shepherds were leaving the chapel after the play. The pictures of the play were from a distance and couldn't get a close-up of Garrett.



And finally, Christmas part 1. Saturday we had Brian's family over for Christmas with them. We had a wonderful lunch of ham, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, salad, rolls, and cupcakes. The boys were SO excited that their cousins were coming. The kids all played so nicely together...I don't think we had even one little squabble the whole day. I was pretty tired after the whole event, but it was definitely a wonderful day!

Sunday was bitterly cold and windy...so much so that we lost our power for about 5 hours. We managed to get in a nap (no power necessary!) and still were without power. We played a few games and then had to run some errands. By the time we got home, the lights were back on!

And today we had our Bible Study friends come over. It had been a couple of weeks since we last met, so today was a nice treat. The kids just love to have visitors, especially their good buddy, Josiah. After a much wanted nap, I made some cookies for Garrett's preschool class Christmas party tomorrow. I wanted to make sure there was some special treats that he could eat at the party.

It doesn't really seem like I actually did much today, but I am glad it is bedtime for the boys. Once they are in bed, I am thinking about heading to bed, too!

Icy Start

When we got up this morning, it seemed to be raining. I was surprised because I had not heard a weather forecast for today. Imagine my confusion when schools were CLOSED! I called Brian and he informed me that it was not rain, but ice falling from the sky. And the road conditions were horrible. Fortunately, the temps are supposed to rise to the 40's by this afternoon, and they won't dip below the mid-30's tonight, so this should disappear shortly.

Tonight we have Brian's work Christmas dinner...I am so excited to get to dress up in fancy clothes! And the boys can't wait for Ms. Amanda to come babysit. They love to have sitters, but I think it is because the rules are not as strict and they get to watch a movie.

Well, I guess it is time to get some cleaning done while I am motivated. Bathrooms, here I come!

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Saturday we went to a Birthday Party for Jesus. It was so much fun (not to mention that it stresses why we celebrate Christmas!). The kids got to color a picture for Jesus and then we tied them to balloons and released them for Jesus. We then had cake and ice cream and then we wrapped gifts. Each child brought gifts for children from our Angel Tree at church...the boys brought for a 5 yr old boy and the girls for a 4 yr old girl. It was such a great opportunity to help the boys understand that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday and about giving to others. The kids really had a great time! On the way home, Hunter was very concerned. He said, "The balloons didn't have rocket boosters...I don't think they will get through space to heaven to get to Jesus." Wow, he really had thought about that. I just told him that I am sure Jesus appreciates our presents.

Sunday was Garrett's Christmas program for preschool. He was an absolutely adorable shepherd. (I will try to post a picture soon!) And in true Garrett fashion, he kept pulling on his costume and fidgeting. He disappeared at one time, and then he began to pick his nose. Keep in mind, he was on the front row, so everyone could see him. But, he was singing his little heart out. I asked if he had fun, and he said, "No, I didn't get to talk into the microphone!" Maybe next year!

Oh...we got SNOW!!! Only a dusting, but still, white flakes were falling from the sky much of the day yesterday. Hunter was perplexed. He wanted to know how could it be snowing if it was not winter? I just giggle and smile! He is such a thinker! But this weather is so crazy...by Monday it will be close to 70 degrees again. So much for the snow!

Maybe this weekend we will finish up shopping and get our tree up and decorated.