Trying To Look Like Jesus

Putting on the first ornament We finally got our Christmas tree.  The kids had so much fun taking out each ornament and reminiscing how each special ornament became part of our tree.  I always laugh to see how many "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments Brooke received for her first Christmas.  In years past I've always had the "elegant" Christmas tree (that's what Lily call it).  But this year, the pretty and hand made ornaments made it on the tree and it looks wonderful.  Today was definitely a  good day, Hallelujah!!  Really hoping the dog stays away!

Tonight for day 13 of Advent we are making gingerbread houses. Correction, the kids are making gingerbread houses.  Just as I was putting on the finishing touches on my house, it feel apart:(  But the kids are looking great. Busy at work Brooke doing the front of her house Lily is concentrating so hard! Noah, already done and eating my broken house Here's the end results! Christmas village

We've been busy enjoying the holidays around here. And now that I'm finished the shopping and school is slowing down its fun time!  This month we started a new tradition of an advent calender and Jesse tree.  I found the ideas on the blogs that I follow. The Jesse tree pictured below is a great devotion we've been using to trace the lineage of Christ.  Each night we read the scripture on the list and hang one of the ornaments the kids and I colored on the branches. Then for the Advent calender each day we do a different activity.  We've done a paper chain to countdown Christmas, pipe cleaner candy cane ornaments, and hand print snowmen ornaments.  And tonight we went out to see the neighborhood Christmas lights.  Our favorite is the house that goes to music on Elderberry Rd. I can't wait to decorate gingerbread houses and bake cookies!! I love how this year we're really getting into the spirit of the season.  Every year I feel so rushed and it goe...