Christmas Program

Kids choir at church: Ella is in the purple dress

 They played the chimes to "Away In A Manger".

 They also sang "Angels From the Realms of Glory" and a song called, "I Believe".

 The kids are 4 years up to 5th grade.

 After the kids performed the adult choir sang.

 The front row sat the entire time

 

Christmas Party

This week our church had a wonderful party sponsored by the Women's Ministry.

The children had their picture taken with Santa (who looked like THE Santa) and then they went around to different craft stations.

 After dinner, we sang Christmas songs and the children's minister read a Christmas story.

 It was a fun time for everyone!

 

 Ella with a sweet friend

letter to santa

This is a busy time of the year. My December calendar has something written on just about every square. The  kids wrote letters to Santa a few days ago. I was pleasantly shocked that Ella wants a toy horse, a new toothbrush, and underwear! She was serious. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

She went on to explain that toys are "wants". She said "All I really need is God, my family, a house, food, water, and a few clothes". I'm tearing up as I type this because her saying that was the best gift ever.  She gets it....as deeply as a 7 year old can get "it".

In the very back of my mind, I think that living in this duplex or not buying clothes from Gymboree is somehow scarring my kids. Clearly it's not!

 

 

I'm loving that Eric thinks it's cool for me to kiss him and leave lipstick on his face

It's crazy to think that in a couple/few years he will run when I try to kiss him.

Sunday Morning Pictures

Holiday crafting fun

 

 

Picture by Ella

Bribing the kids with a Happy Meal was so worth it!

 

the orange sled

This plastic orange sled is almost 30 years old! I rode on it when I was little.

See!

 I was so proud of both kids for getting out there and trying it.

 Especially proud of Ella because she normally passes on any activity that she doesn't think she can do perfectly on the first try (inherited this from me). And she doesn't like water in/on her face.

She even got up on her knees!

 Eric was his normal dare devil self.

 5 seconds into his first time on the orange sled and he was going for the standing position. He fell off and for the first time experienced bobbing in the water alone while the boat circled back for him. My prediction was correct. Pure terror and tears. Once we pulled up next to him, I said, "Why are you crying? Because you want back on the boat or back on the orange sled?" And he whimpered, "Back on the sled." lol

 I'm so proud of him for getting right back on!

 Eric is my extremely shy child... around people he doesn't know well.

When strangers speak to him, he will not even look at them, much  less speak. He hides behind me and when it was shorter he hid between my legs. Most acquaintances haven't ever heard his voice.

 But once he is comfortable around you, he is Mr. Personality, a comedian,  and such a charmer.

"How you do'in?"

4th of July

 Fun at Lake Jacksonville

 If you look very closely in the center of the picture you can see Patrick Dempsey. Seriously!

 Jen and I

 sideways picture...this is so annoying and why I don't like blogging.

 Gorgeous moon that night.

 Ella screaming on the jet ski

girl time

Eric spent a few days with my parents this week.

It has been such a treat this week to have some quiet time.

Ella has been begging to have "girl time".

We went to her favorite restaurant: Chili's

 We had the best time talking and laughing.

Then we went home and painted our own toenails.

Ella is pink and I'm purple.