Rebath Christmas Party

Griffin enjoying his cupcake at Bill's company party

 

all the kids singing- so sweet and entertaining

the party is always lots of fun and they do a wonderful job of including everyone

Baking fun

A new apron means....it's time to bake! (thanks sis I love it)

both the kids love to help, fighting over he gets to crack eggs, scoop floor and use the mixer

mixing our frosting

cutting out cookies

I had a girl party and wore my apron again!

new recipe, shortbread turtle cookies, yummy

Christmas morning

Sydney tried to get us up at 3:30, oh yes but I talked her into snuggling til 5:30!

Griffin emptying his stocking

golf club pen Sydney bought for Bill

movies from Grammie and Grandpa

fireman Griffin!

Sydney making badges, very fun

dino puzzle

 a few videos

 

 

Our Christmas was wonderful, we hope yours was too!

Christmas Eve

Since the kids were dressed up for church I tried to get a few pictures ....

a bit cheesy

so Griffin

sweet girl

Bill and I toasty to a wonderful Christmas

Bill being well Bill

My girl and I

silly man

kids sprinkling reindeer food (Griffin still has his tag from the church nursery on his back)

ready to open a Christmas eve gift

new Christmas pjs

sleeping together in sissy's bed

 

great times as a family

Sydney's Christmas performance

 

All the kindergarten classes sang a few songs at the PTO meeting.  I only recorded Sydney's group.  She did a great job and we were so proud of her.  She is right in the middle, second row from the bottom.  

simple ways to make the holidays special without big spending

This is such a special time of year and yet so many people are stressed out and too busy to enjoy themselves.  I think keeping things simple and spending within your means is a way to make sure you enjoy this season more!  We try hard not to get caught up in all the craziness and try to keep things simple yet so wonderful.  I love all the little traditions that we keep, a particular Christmas morning meal, Christmas eve church service, reading Christmas books all month, our advent calendar.  Here are a few ideas for you...


1.  surround yourself with people you love, just keep it simple, Christmas music, a few snacks, maybe a board game

2.  enjoy making a few holiday treats, I certainly have a few things that I only bake at Christmas time, so bake, maybe share and ENJOY

3. have a family popcorn party and watch a Christmas movie

4.  drive around after dark and look at Christmas lights

5. spend an evening thinking about and sharing all the things you do have to be thankful for (even if you feel bummed out that you do not have extra money this season)

6.  If you must exchange gifts, keep it small and set an affordable limit, at least you will have one thing to open

7.  if you live where you have snow- get outside and go sledding, make snow angels or a snowman

8. snuggle with a loved one by the fireplace

9.  sing Christmas songs

10.  Remember this is a season to celebrate the birth of Christ

Advent again..crafty post

Tonight I am repainting my scratch off advent calendar.  My kids had so much fun with the scratch off part and we are ready to do it all again, starting Saturday!

In the mail- Thriving Family

This past weekend we received our free Thriving Family December issue from Focus on the Family.  Included inside was an Advent activity calendar and I am excited to read through it with our family.  Each day has a scripture to read and a short activity/discussion point.  You can visit ThrivingFamily.com/Advent and download a digital version. 
The challenge for December is to stay focused on the reason we celebrate Christmas and not lose your mind!