Playing with cousins, Ilana and Blake, is treat enough and yet there were piles of gifts awaiting us under Grandma's tree. 
Jayden got loads of makeup and Zach scored a rescue helicopter. 
Uncle Tommy rigged a skateboard so Zach could cruise around with Blake. 
Christmas dinner was hosted by Aunt Sheri and her kids, Simon and Sarah. 
Having fun can be so exhausting!
Late in the afternoon we dolled up the kids and hurried off to church. We sang Christmas carols and heard a beautiful message from our Pastor about the REAL gifts we've received as Christians, and should remember at Christmas: Peace, Hope, Reconciliation with God, Everlasting Life, The Word and the Person of Christ....
Then we assembled in the dining room for the traditional Eve meal of Buca di Beppo fabulousness. 
And then the wrapping paper went flying. Among the favorite gifts for Zach were a new Radio Flyer scooter, an 'Armor of God' dress up ensemble, and a book all about trucks. Jayden squealed when she caught the first glimpse of a new baby doll complete with diaper bag and accoutrement, and winked at Uncle when she discovered he'd given her 2 books about Princesses. Ollie acquired some excellent developmental toys and books, but of course found the most delight in a balloon from Trader Joes. 
Jesus was our central focus throughout the month, and Jayden especially latched on to every detail about His birth in the manger --from the Angels glorious proclamation to the Shepherds in the field, to King Herod's fear that this baby King threatened his rule. The biggest challenge is trying to get the kids to understand the connection between God's gift to us and our worldly practice of gift giving...all they see is "more stuff for me"!
On our way to the tree farm
The songs were short and sweet and rich with Biblical truths. I particularly enjoyed listening to Jayden practice around the house a song about the meaning of a candy cane.
Every day Jayden asks me if she can do an art project. I
love her creativity
and want it to flourish in our home,
But
(and it's a big, neurotic, selfish but)
I often say "no" simply because
I don't want the mess
that follows a 4 year old and a box of Crayolas.
Lately, however, I've been letting the perfectionist in me yield to the reality of my God-ordained calling.
I'm the mother of 3 small children.
And this means my home will be filled with clutter, dirty clothes, grimy fingerprints and the like.
After all, shouldn't childhood be messy, muddy, noisy fun?
So now many morning or after-nap hours are spent with paints, gluesticks, rolls of tape, and fancy scissors.
Cleaning can wait.
This month we've been able to make things with a purpose.
The 1st was a birthday card for 1 of Jayden's preschool teachers.
She chose watercolors and glitter as the medium.
And carefully fashioned a stack of artful masterpieces, and then selected her favorite
which she described as "The
cross where Jesus died. To remind us."
Our 2nd project was a Thanksgiving-themed craft .
We had a friend gather pine-cones from her yard so we could turn them into turkeys.
They will be the place-cards at our family feast.
Mainly because my friend Amanda introduced me to OopsieDaisyBaby
pettiskirts
and I couldn't wait to see Jayden in hers
(which I found on e-bay for a fraction of the price!).
And then we found the hats and boots (thank you Janie and Jack!) and the sheriff badge.
And the final touch was Marty's round-em-up rope.
Oliver happily donned a bee costume for a photo-op – he is so yummy!
Instead of waiting around for the doorbell to ring and risking scary costume sightings,
we corralled our western-wearin' kids
and headed to a carnival at the
EV Free Church in Newbury Park.
Fun games, friends, jumpy houses, plenty of candy
all in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
I think we'll make this a tradition (including the pit stop at In-n-out for dinner)!
