A few things we've been working on...

Caleb, Samara, Joe, Noah and Erin

This was our first attempt at a Gingerbread house and I must say I'm surprised how much Joe loved it. We had to take 2 nights to do it since you have to let the house "set" before decorating it. It worked out well though since my nephews and niece were coming over the next night so they helped decorate. Everyone had a great time and it's still standing. In the front yard Joe made a Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus!

This week we also attempted to conquer a 499 piece puzzle. That's right 499, not 500 like the box said. We either have a defective puzzle or Anna has a puzzle piece in her belly! Erin did her best helping and when it got down to the last 30 pieces, she filled them in. It was a very difficult puzzle, but very adorable.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Tis the Season to....PARTY

Is there a such thing as too much partying? I think not! We've had a week of it. On Sunday night my girlfriends from highschool(gradeschool for Jenny) came over with their ever expanding families and we enjoyed our annual Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. I love having an official kid's table now - there conversations are always so interesting!

Then on Monday night the Jackson's came over for a spontaneous "grill out" night since the weather was so nice.

On Tuesday we had a Happy Birthday Jesus party with some dear friends from church. We look forward to this every year as Erin always enjoys the special craft and yummy eats. Anna rather enjoyed herself too this year!

This morning some of the ladies from our small group came over with their little ones and we had a fun playdate with a special snack.

I just love this time of year when it's so busy. I love talking to other moms about their traditions and getting new ideas. Children make Christmas so exciting! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful, Christian people, especially moms, that know what this time of year truly is all about!

Cassia, Elena Kay, Erin, Dylan, Grayson and Anna - friends for life!

My Best Friends - Jenny and Jeanette!

Anna and Madeline are getting to be little playmates.

MMM...Mrs. Schrodt, this is some yummy mac'n'cheese!

Christmas Tree all decorated.

Happy Birthday Jesus - make a wish!

Matthew, Reagan, Anna and Emily - small group friends.

Christmas in the Country

We heard about Triple R Ranch's Christmas in the Country on K-Love and then were invited by a guy Joe has come to know through his Friday morning Bible Study. So we decided, despite the cold, it would be a fun and festive event to go to. It was a really nice time. Erin did a horse ride, there was a live nativity, she did a craft, we ate some good grub, and of course cider and cookies. I can truly say it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

That bundle of pink is Anna!

Erin on her first "big" horse ride.This horse was there just for taking pictures.

Anna and her Christmas tree cookie.

Erin and her "Gabriel" angel cookie.

Nana's Walker

As we were waiting for the Christmas program to start on Friday night Anna took some time to practice her walking. She found the perfect tool to help her - Nana's walker. It was the cutest thing watching her walk up and down the hall. I used to play on my Great Aunt's walker and use it as a gymnastics apparatus so it brought back good memories.

Erinisms

Here's a few of the latest Erinisms:

When helping me practice my music for Sunday, I was informed that it is "Oh Well" not "Noel!"

After church today Erin went to Power Up with her Baba where it is being reinforced that the children bring in items they don't need anymore to give to children who are less fortunate. In the car, Erin announced that she was going right home to clean up and find things to give away, and then asked, "what do you think Cody wants of mine?" I got the biggest giggle and tried to explain that we weren't giving things away to friends, but to people we don't know! What a heart though, and she truly got the message!(Jessica - I don't know why she chose Cody, guess she just loves him!)

The Tree is UP!

Last night we decorated our new Christmas tree. We crossed over to the dark side as some would say and bought a "fake" tree this year. I was so worried that Anna would eat the needles of a "real" tree and we think Erin had some allergies to the tree last year, so we did it. I must say it was nice not shopping for the perfect tree in the cold, and with candles these days, it smells like there is a real tree in the house. Anna delayed our decorating quite a bit, for every ornament that went on, she took one off. I'm going to have to watch that little munchkin very closely. Erin actually helped quite a bit this year although there is a heavy amount of ornaments in one particular spot and none on the bottom 12 inches for the sake of the little person! So it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I have all our presents wrapped but am afraid to put them out because of Anna! I sure do love that little munchkin even when she's mischievious!

Anna has a special Elmo ornament for the year!

Erin is holding her new Sleeping Beauty ornament.

Now she's putting on the tree right in front.

Daddy helped the girls hang our Sesame Street ornaments.

Here is - one tree trimmed!