Counting Down to Christmas

Since I never did get this blog post written when it was actually pre-Christmas, I won't go into everything I wanted to say a few weeks ago. (I'm sure you're glad.)

I'll just say I had a really hard time with the entry into Christmas. It's getting harder every year to see the craziness that this world turns our Christmas into. And, to watch how quickly we all get caught up in making the season busy. How is it so easy to slip into that pattern of filling every single minute with activity? I've been guilty of it for years. And, it's really starting to wear on me.

So, I'm already hoping that next December, we'll be off of school all month. Off from school. Off from shopping. We're just going to soak it in. And, spend time at home. Now, I'll just have to remind myself next year that I said all of this.

Anyway, I said I wasn't going to go on and on. So, I'll wait til next Christmas to talk about how much I despise retail shopping, Elf on the Shelf, and the fast pace of this city. I bet you can't wait for that post. :)

The month of December did go by way too fast, and many of our good intentions went undone. Not many pictures were taken, and even those that were, are not the best. But, we did have fun! And, we did try to stop each day to just be together. (Laying on the couch reading Christmas books seemed to be my favorite way to do this!)

And, we tried to focus our countdown time on the absolute amazing gift Jesus was to this world. We're pretty blessed to have the crafty ability of my sister, Cassie, and she was kind to make us a set of these ornaments. (I told you my pictures are bad!)

The names of Jesus. We celebrated one each day, and read scripture about whatever name we were studying.

The names of Jesus make me cry every year, as I am reminded of how HUGE it is that Jesus came, and that He is the fulfillment of every need we have, and the answer to every prayer prayed for hundreds of years. And, He is the victory we need to be able to leave this yucky world someday and spend EVERY day like Christmas, celebrating the One who gave it all for us.

We also did our traditional advent box, (of which I have no pictures), which apparently Abby Kate remembered very well from past years! She was in charge of this every day, and LOVED getting to hang the next silver ornament, and pass out the chocolate kisses to the sisters.

Now, this is a side note. But, this is one of the first years that I have truly enjoyed our Christmas decorations, not because of what they mean to me, but because of what they mean to the girls. There were so many smiles as we unpacked each little part--many things I didn't even realize were a big deal to them--and it made me so thankful for the traditions of family.

We got to do some new things with friends this year to celebrate the season, that were fun for our family too. We went caroling with our homeschool group from church, and made some gifts for family with them as well.

We had some impromptu dinners out with close family friends, and surprise sleepovers too!

(cheeseburgers, Starbucks, & Christmas lights from the bed of the truck with the Batchelors.)

(Sleepover with Caroline...the girls decided to go caroling in the neighborhood with their matching Pj's. :)

Our piano teacher organized a "mini" piano recital at a nursing home in town just days before Christmas, which was enjoyed by all.

Abby Kate has started playing piano this year, and she was very proud to finally play Jingle Bells and Up On the Housetop for an audience. :)

They gave her great applause, as you can tell by the uneasy smile.

And, we had the best time listening to the stories of the sweet people there. They were truly inspirational to us! It's the perfect place to go to get the right perspective on this season!!

And, this is a sweet picture Mark got of Carlie loving on one of her sweet new friends.

This is a really big deal for our Carlie girl. Every day, I see her blossoming into a more confident girl, and I'm so thankful she is more and more willing to share her love with others. This would not have been a picture we could have taken even a year ago. She is growing SO MUCH! And, I love being on the front row watching God work in her heart.

The girls also had a fun day with Grandma and Sophie, for a tea party, craft time, and Christmas fun, all in PJ's!

Which was the perfect way to start Christmas week, while Mom & Dad spent time getting gifts ready...and moving a big (and very bright) yellow surprise into our backyard for Christmas!! More to come on that little addition next!