Christmas Week

G.G. gave this little apron and hat set to Anna Clare when she was 3 and I just love it!

At the end of last week I told a friend that I was so relieved to have all of my shopping (gifts and food for Christmas morning breakfast that we have at our house) and most of my wrapping done and I was just going to spend this week with the girls. Doing whatever. Staying in our p.j.s all day, baking, Christmas movies, games, whatever they wanted. That same day I came across this post that was linked from a blog I like to read. It completely affirmed my plans for this week. Sometimes I feel like I spend so much time doing stuff for my children that I often miss out on time with them.

We kicked off the week of Christmas with our 3rd annual neighborhood Christmas caroling event Sunday night (I left my camera at home). We all gather at a designated home for dinner and then pile up in the back of a truck bundled up and covered with blankets to several homes in the neighborhood caroling and passing out homemade goodies. Then we end the night with dessert and visiting. It is so much fun, and I hope all the children will grow up with that as a wonderful Christmas memory.



Monday morning, my friend Denise had several children over to decorate Christmas cakes and make ornaments. Sadly, Owen had to miss because she was a bit under the weather over the weekend, but Anna Clare was happy to go and make Owen's ornament for her. She came home with these cuties...



Last night our same neighbors borrowed their church bus and surprised all the children with a "Polar Express" pajama ride around town consisting of hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas lights. (Owen had to miss that too...being sick is not fun! But she is feeling much better)



Today we have not left the house and have spent a little time in the kitchen.

(A little break from baking for a self-portrait)

Our doorbell rang in the middle of our project so we threw another baker into the mix.

Not too bad for 3 little bakers!

I am excited about the rest of the week. Steve has even convinced me to go hunting with him this week (I have never been hunting in my life!). Should be interesting.

But most of all I am excited about celebrating the greatest gift ever known that is for all the people...the birth of our Savior!

Merry Christmas!!