Ben is really sad at the thought of Mike leaving daily for work. So there are lots of stall tactics that Mike happily oblidges. Airplanes one morning. Love. Adoration.
The kids are getting so big. And they are still so little too. As soon as I think they are getting too cool, they take their stuffed animals out to the new tree house platform that Mike built with them in the back yard. Hours of pretending with stuff animals. Love, Adoration.
We've had a great first week of a two week Christmas break.
Monday was the SMV- watched Polar Express then had hot chocolate & crafts. Surrounded by errands for Christmas gifts and the post office.
On Tuesday, we went to Monticello. It had been on my mind since Thanksgiving when Mike's sister went (his sibs have the best ideas). And thank you, Father, the weather was perfect for a day trip. We so enjoyed our time away. I was happy to have them all to myself. And to have a day outside learning and exploring.
On Wednesday, Goo & Pop generously watched P&L so I could take B on a preschool playdate.
On Thursday morning, we went Christmas caroling with families from church to two retirement facilities. It was such fun! I so enjoyed- good for my soul. I missed being a nurse and was refreshed by loving on, thinking of others. Peter was an incredible singer and God is faithfully reminding me of how he has gifted Peter- not as the world sees gifting but according to his Kingdom values. He sang so loud and enthusiastically, not so self aware in the best of ways.
On Friday, we made treats and baked all day long. This has possibly been the first Christmas season since having kids that I have felt like we have made lots of treats and goodies to love others. We delivered cookies last weekend and then delivered some of these and kept some for ourselves. Lily was happy to help make them with me and be creative. She really is great at this type thing. She has made gifts of so many random things in our house and wrapped them for each of us.
As is tradition, we spent Christmas Eve morning at Mike's parents for gifts and brunch. My cell camera has not been working so I don't have pics to offer. But sweet gifts for each of the kids- earthquake lab for P, 3D pen for L, sleeping bad & train for B. It is fun and sweet to see how they love the kids and the kids' excitement. And I always enjoy someone feeding me. Thank you, Kathy & Ski. Always blessed by their generosity.
After a jammin Christmas Eve service, we had dinner here. It is fun to host and have others here for a cozy eve.
I made dinner--- a segregated vegetable and meat lasagna. I did add cheese.
Plus roasted brussel sprouts, salad and yummy bread. :)
The kids exchanged their gifts for each other- so sweet.
Love them. Love how they are each so different and unique.
One of her gifts to him was a joke that she thought was super funny. :) Love.
Ben LOVES "worker men". Likes to see them working hard, likes to be one.
So it is a big theme for him this Christmas.
Santa has come.
Thankful for these people. I love them so.
