sunday funday

  In the sanctuary before church this morning

 Ella is looking so tall.

 After church, we ran a few errands and then headed to Orange Leaf for yogurt. I had a gift card :)

Eric adds gummy worms and Ella gets brownies.

 While Ella was sitting looking out the window, she said, "Sometimes it's just nice to stop and look at the view." 

 Me and Ella Bella

 Bunny ears on Mommy

 Eric being silly

 My loves.

bowling, santa, and joy

Scott's company had a Christmas party tonight for the children.

It was a fun (free) night of fun. We had time to bowl 1 game, eat pizza, and visit with Santa.

 We didn't have bumpers on our lane so most of the balls went into the gutter.

 I am very surprised the owners never came over to tell both kids to stop throwing the ball. Lofting is too gentle to describe what Eric was doing.

I forget about Ella being a lefty until I see her playing sports.

 I took this picture of them hugging while we were waiting in line to see Santa.

We haven't made a big deal about Santa this year and I don't think I've even said, "You better XYZ or Santa will not bring you a present". They have been getting along better than they ever have and I really don't think it's because Christmas is in 10 days.  Maybe I'm delusional.

 Maybe this friendship will stick.

 It was about 90 degrees inside the bowling alley and I felt so bad for Santa.

I'm looking forward to church tomorrow. The 3rd week of Advent is JOY.

I am reading several books on JOY right now and have decided my theme for 2013 is Joy.

Reindeer and shellac

The kids made these cute thumbprint reindeer ornaments.

 

 I went and got a manicure for first time in several years. I tried the shellac nail polish and I am in love. It's supposed to stay looking this good for 2 weeks!

Scott had his company "Holiday" party on Saturday.

 Today was the first day/night in a loooong time that we didn't have something to attend. It was so nice to come home after school and veg. We all put our pjs on at 4:00 to celebrate!

2 weeks 'til Christmas! Can't wait!



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.