December 11

We didn’t get the snowstorm we were promised.  It slipped south of us.  So we also didn’t get to sleep in this morning.  It was basketball bright and early.  I just love going to cheer on the team even if I am loud and obnoxious.  My daughter still thinks it’s fun to hear us whoop it up when they score, for now.

After we got through the games and a practice we headed out on a very important mission.

We headed out into the woods to cut down a Christmas tree.  A few years back we started getting our trees from a wonderful couple from our church’s land.  They fed us cookies and hot chocolate.  A year and a half ago Betty passed away.  This year Mike had the idea of going out to get a tree and bringing dinner so we could eat with Clarence. 

They have a great sledding hill.  Well, it is great to kids who live on the flattest piece of land in the county.

In case you noticed, this is day three that Annie has had the “I took my pet to the vet” tattoo on her cheek.

Then our tour guide Joe arrived and we set out into the woods.  He never lets us take the first one.  There’s always a better one on the horizon. 

It wasn’t even (that) cold in the woods.

We saw a porcupine nestled up in a tree.  That made me pretty nervous.  Clarence told us a funny porcupine story at supper.  He can tell a story!

Then we found it.  There were no lights or angel choirs but we were getting tired.

Clark even remembered a saw.

 

We ate soup and bread and pie and had a lovely visit in a very warm house.  We thawed out, not we are just waiting for the tree to do the same. 

December 10

We babysat for a friend from church today.  She was going to a doctor’s appointment with her mom who just found out she is battling cancer.  I thought it would be fun to do a project.  My kids only had a half day of school that day.  I had read the idea to use your unwanted Halloween candy for gingerbread houses. We’ve got plenty of that.

I borrow this gingerbread house mold every year.  Maybe one day I should buy one.  I didn’t get the gingerbread made early enough so we used almond bark.  That’s right, a gingerbread house made out of pure candy.  We dyed it blue.

Pour it in the chilled mold and refrigerate.  Then pop the pieces out.

Get plenty of frosting ready.  Using the spritz gun worked really well.  But so did the baggie.

An architect or engineer I am not but we got it together.

Then it’s time for the kids to go to work.  I wish I could say they were responsible for the dilapidated roof but they aren’t.

The more frosting and candy the better.

It’s really fun to have the kinds of conversations kids have when they are busy working at a project. 

There are no rules against eating the candy.

Or looking like a construction worker with a jackhammer and cigarette.

If you have a masterpiece like this

and the kitchen looks like this

and the kids are covered in frosting, then it was a success.

December 7

Last night, we did some elf work from home in front of the Charlie Brown special.  We gathered up some supplies: coloring books, crayons, stickers, and stocking stuffers. 

The little girls worked very hard. 

Cutting.

Wrapping.

Taping.

It’s kind of hard for me to let go and allow them to dive in themselves.  Actually, halfway through I was wishing I would have just done it myself after they went to bed.  They didn’t exactly look like packages from Macy’s when they were done.  But they were really excited to help.

We put the packages into big envelopes and are going to drop them in the mail today to two of our church’s missionary families.  These families each have one parent that grew up in our church and they are now out doing ministry full-time with their families.  That’s one of the blessings of God allowing us to be here for so long. 

We’ve got more people that could use Christmas cheer on our list.  How about you?

December 4/5

What an exciting weekend!  Sleepovers, American Girl parties, church, small group, basketball,

and we got up close and personal with new friends at CPR class.

On Saturday we made an elf delivery to a great friend.  Unfortunately she wasn’t home.  I’m starting to rethink the “surprise” element of our visits.  Jayne had come and drawn Caricatures of Jenna and all her friends the night of her birthday party. 

She is a bundle of fun and has been a big inspiration to me as a mother.  We’ll have to drop by again when we can chat with her.  And maybe have a big cup of coffee with whipped cream, sprinkles and a flag on top.  That’s the only way she makes it!  Which is one of the reasons she always leaves you in a jolly mood!

On Sunday at church, the star board was up again.

Each star has a gift wish on it for a family our church adopts.  Karen breaks it down so that everyone can contribute a part.  She even makes $1 stars so that the kids can take part.  We got  our star.

 

I’m scared.  I can buy a princess tea set like nobody’s business, but I hope I do ok shopping for a 15 year old boy.  Then we bring the wrapped gifts back the next week.

 

We’ve got some shopping to do!