Nicholas' News December 16, 2012

Look who lost another tooth today??  That makes 5 now.  The tooth fairy has been busy at our house the last few months.  

Gingerbread Houses December 9, 2012

Last weekend we went to my brother and sister in laws house after church and made gingerbread  houses with the kids.  They were the smallest, cutest houses.  Perfect size for little kids.  They all got to decorate their own and eat lots of candy in the process.  It was a great day and time spent with family.

What our Elf on the Shelf has been up too

After Thanksgiving, the boys received a gift on the front porch.  Their very own Elf on the Shelf.  They were beyond excited.  First they couldn't decide on his name.  I told them they had to agree on one before we could do anything.  They finally agreed that his name is Peppin.  So at first Peppin was kind of quiet and didn't do much but sit on top of the fridge or a shelf in the living room.  Then I think he started to notice how silly my boys are and decided to start doing some silly things as well.  So far we have had him draw funny faces on a picture of the boys.  He strung toilet paper all over our Christmas tree.  He dyed all the milk in our fridge green and replaced the boys stockings with a pair of their underwear.  The boys crack up every morning when they see that Peppin did something crazy the night before.  We have really enjoyed having Peppin in our home this year.  He is a constant reminder for the boys that someone is always watching and he brings us a lot of laughs.  Also (thankfully) he cleans up after himself;)  

And the Season Begins.......

I LOVE this time of year.  I love the music, decorations, lights, hot cocoa and ALL the other things that we get to enjoy.  Today was a busy day.  We went to our first Christmas party of the season.  There are MANY more to come.  Chad had his party today with his military unit.  The boys had fun with a couple of the crafts they were able to do.  They made Rudolph the red nosed reindeer from a candy cane.  They also each got to decorate a paper Christmas tree.  Then later this evening we set up our Christmas tree and a few decorations.  I just love the spirit of Christmas.  If I didn't get a single present, I would be okay with that.  I love to see the smiles on my boys faces.  I want them to experience the spirit of the season.  To have these memories for years to come.  I know I look back fondly on Christmas's spent with my family growing up.  I just want to give that to them.  That is worth more than anything I could ever buy them.  I have been crocheting a quilt for Jacob since May.  It is ALMOST done.  I made one for Nicholas' birthday and then decided that since Jake birthday is in July (and who wants another blanket in July?!) it would make a good present for Christmas.  I know he is going to love it.  We have a busy month with lots of Christmas parties (2 school parties, work and church) and family get togethers.  We are trying to remember the reason for the season.  I am trying to think of things the boys can do for our neighbors.  Some kind of acts of service.  Haven't quite figured out what yet but I will let you know.  I also have an ornament party I am attending this Friday.  I have been crocheting ones for a few weeks now and have about 5 left to complete.  I am excited to get to celebrate Christmas with my Mom this year.  It has been a long time since I saw her Christmas morning.  Well that is it for now.  I will do updates probably weekly to post about all our various events.   

 Holding their candy cane Rudolph

 Their Christmas trees

 Posing in front of our tree 

Each holding their stockings