Holidays are great, especially the long ones

Christmas Eve the children all slept together so that no one would or could go down early.  They slept in the apartment.  It was awful tempting to look them out and then sleep in.  They were up by 6 but then so was I . . . just can't sleep with all that fun waiting.
Sim was so much fun this year and he has had so much fun.  I have often caught him coming out of my room with another wrapped gift.  He gave to everyone at least one present and many of us two.  We had made those cute snowflakes a few  posts ago.  Well Simeon couldn't stand letting them go and decided to call them hats.  He put everyone's name on them and wrapped them up for Christmas.  This picture is of those hats.  He also gave Natalie one of his old toothbrushes (including the dried up toothpast still on it), He gave Dane Dane's tie that had turned up missing a couple of weeks ago, He gave me my missing pvc pipe for a craft project and explained to me that it was a paper towel holder.  He had so much fun giving and has continued giving as we have celebrated birthdays this week.

Christmas morning we have the tradition of lining up on the stairs, oldest to youngest to come down and see what Santa has brought.  They just never grow too big to have to line up.

Snow fun involves "hooding".  Being pulled on the hood of a car behind a 4 wheeler.  I was wimpy and didn't go very far but at least we have a picture of me playing with my kids.



We also participated in a homeschool sponsered family dance.  It was a lot of fun.  Great music with a DJ, fun decor, and great fun dancing with my family.

I am amazed at how quickly this Christmas holiday is going.  I am grateful that we have another week with the kids home and no school.  I always think I will get more done but I have to stop and remember that I am getting things done just by being home with my family or going places with my family i.e. parties.  It has been great.  

This sone came without my realizing it.  But I have decided its okay.  I sure wish I could keep all my family here and never let them leave me.  They are great and I love them.

The Nativity at our house

We like to act out the nativity to the song in the primary book with a verse for each part of the story. The cast seems to change every year. Emily has reserved the part of star and angel for several years now. Peter has taken over as donkey while Dad directs the in's and out's and I get to run the camera. They do such a great job.

The Holy family,

wise men,

Star and angel,

and the donkey, humble beast of burden .
Dinner at our house included BBQ turkey, yummy potatoes and salad with home made pies for dessert.

Christmas Eve

Sleigh riding was perfect. Anyone that wants to join us, come on down

HS choir

Here is a sample from the Christmas concert that Pete was in. You might notice how he can't keep his eyes off the girls.

Prayer with Miss D

Phase one of prayers is kneeling down, inviting her to say her prayers. She would kneel down and let me help her, then climb into bed.

Phase two of prayers is kneeling down, inviting her to say her prayers. Her saying "Go out", "Please, go out" and then from the door way hearing her say her own prayers.

Phase three of prayers is kneeling down, inviting her to say her prayers. Her asking me to go out. My getting up, going out, doing something in the hall or bathroom and her yelling "I need help!" I am then welcomed back into the room, allowed to kneel and even help her with her prayers.

Now we finally can move to the next step which includes Miss D making her bed (because I pulled down the covers), getting the bedding folded just right, climbing in herself, pulling up the covers, herself, my seeking for permission to kiss her on the cheek (the forehead is not allowed), hoping I will get a hug, saying good night, turning out the light and then having her get upset and want her daddy, her dog or baby, another drink of water and the door left open. Eventually she will get me trained if she can be that patient. It is always so nice when the silence in her room lasts through the night. (I just wish we had washed her face again and brushed those teeth, again after her dinner, again)

Up on the roof,

There arose such a clatter, I sprang from my kitchen to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature Peter,

He was way up there . . .WHY is my SON on the ROOF?

YIKES!!!!!

Of course, it had to be his dad's idea. I think the bag of presents got stuck part way because they didn't show up yet. Maybe our skinny 'Santa" should squeeze down the chimney and bring us some stuff.

and another musical gift