December 23, 2018

This boy builds with TEGU blocks every moment he can.  (I think those are Nick's spindling legs.)

 We went to church where Austin spoke and the kids sang.  Finally, I felt the magic of the season and worshiped with my whole soul.  How blessed I am that Jesus Christ was born, lived a life blessing others and then chose to die to save the world from death and sin.  I know He lives.
Andy took portrait pictures of me on the drive home.

 This is my favorite Sunday of the year -- we have no responsibilities and we could just taste the magic of togetherness.  We spent the afternoon gaming.

 I played on the floor with the littles.  We actually moved the presents and laid under the bows and looked up into the lights. Ahhh.

 Maisie made her own little fort.  She spend hours reading and eating little treats.  If her sibbies are especially nice, then they can come in with her.

 See?  They're all anxiously awaiting their turn. Heart.

December 22, 2018

We spent the day cleaning and preparing for Christmas.  We gathered for dinner together.  That's my favorite daily tradition.  

 We worked so hard that we crashed into bed.

December 21, 2018

This is the last school day before our Christmas break begins.  I awakened early to bake bread for teachers.

 Then, Nick's teacher needed a little help with their omelette in a bag.  It was cold!  I actually bundled up!

 Maddie and Eddie were certainly prepared for their Christmas parties.

 I spent the afternoon making these ornaments to give as gifts.

 Done!

That evening I planned to carol with the family at the local park, just like we did last year.  No one would come.  So I threw a fit and went by myself.  I was totally disappointed because I do so much to make their worlds go round, and they wouldn't come and sing for 30 minutes.  I felt pooped on, and I made sure they knew it.  Oh, well.  At least I don't have expectations for next year -- I'm prepared to go alone again.

December 20, 2018

I ran in Sedona today via my iFit trainer on the treadmill.  I thought that was funny. 

 Ryan, Andy and I made a new record.  I've been playing at least 14 games of Hiss a week, but today we made the longest snake in history.  Our snake was 28 cards long!

December 19, 2018

Maisie wrote me this lovely note.

 These two scaled the toys while I sewed one final project.

 Ryan and I began our ornament project.

 I awakened early to bake Maddie cinnamon rolls for her class (two pans).

December 18, 2018

Maisie got braces today.  She looks older.

 This is our last project before the break.  Nick made a sarcophagus and mummy.

 These are the canopic jars  often found within the tomb.

 He (loosely) even painted the exterior.

I'm impressed we made such a lovely project.

December 17, 2018

Eddie and I spent a few minutes reading today.

December 16, 2018

 Today our entire family spoke in church (Molly did not.  Grandma B. came to the rescue and held her in the hall.  She went to bed after we got home last night at 10:30.  Her attitude was a destined fail.).  We sang, "The Good Shepherd" and taught about Jesus Christ.  We each testified of Him.  Today we felt the Christmas season in our hearts.  (Andy will not smile with braces = Thug-life)