Wrapping Up 2010

Here are some pictures from our December. What a fun time we have had this past month, celebrating the seaSON.
We have had two snows this past month. I wouldn't really call this first one a storm. We got an inch or so, but the kids went sledding anyways. On Christmas Eve day we got a good storm that gave us four inches of snow. It is gone now, but the kids did play in it some (not as much as they could have though).
A week before Christmas we had our annual family Christmas program. The Hayes family joined us again this year and the kids sang and played songs. They got to practice some songs that they did the next morning in the church service.

Here are the younger kids singing. They did so well and they were quite cute!

Here is our audience.

At the end the kids did an improv, acting out the Christmas story while James read it. Here are the shepherds (Jon and Jay), reacting to the angel.

Here are the kids the next morning, singing in church. I especially enjoy watching Josiah sing, he really gets into it. Usually he strums along too.

Thanks to Mrs. Whitby, the kids got to make a gingerbread house. They were more interested in eating it, than making it look nice (that's boys for ya).

I just love this picture of Jesse and Jedaiah, playing with the tree.

Our annual Christmas Eve picture that will be made into an ornament for our tree next year.

Christmas morning. All healthy and feeling good, yeah! (if you wondering, see last Christmas' post)

Jesse got his favorite gift, an electric guitar, now we can throw the broken, baby guitar away.

James' parents shower us all with many gifts. Wow!

Josh and Maw-Maw

Josiah got a real mandolin! His Mommy has wanted one for many years, now she'll get to learn too (if she can find the time).

Rachel, with her doll and matching outfits. I loved helping to pick these out for her, so cute!!

She was very happy with her knock off American girl.

'Tis the Season to be Jolly...

I am loving this season of the year. It is my favorite. Our schedule is nice and light and so we have been enjoying lots of family time at home. I love sitting by the fire, watching a Christmas movie with the kids, with our Christmas tree all lit up. It is so peaceful and warm. We are doing school just three days a week this month. On our days off we are spending the time cleaning, baking, and other fun things (well, okay, the cleaning is not so fun, but it is nice when it is done). We are also preparing for our annual Christmas program that we put on at home. This year is our third year and the kids are getting better and better at their musical abilities. We invite some friends and family to come watch and it has become a great tradition that I hope to continue on into the grandchildren years. With my shopping almost complete and my wrapping just about finished, I am enjoying these days before Christmas with peace and joy. (Now, I've got to get to work on the yearly Christmas newsletter, I've put that off long enough.) Oh how blessed we are!!