Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas!

We went to Minnesota. We sadly left our home which set an all-time record high on Christmas but we were ever so thankful that we had clear dry snow-free roads to drive on.

I won Trivial Pursuit. Against my entire family which I am a little bit proud of. #myfamilyissmart 

We went to Christmas Day Mass. The kids did extremely well, I picked a seat that really put us in a bubble since there was no one sitting near us at all. And my childhood parish is one of those huge three sides of seating parishes so it felt like we were on full display. I am sure no one was really watching us but if they were, the kids did a great job. It helped that the homily was about Home Alone. So that kept their attention. It was really a fantastic homily. 

We came back home and celebrated Christmas just our little family. This little gal was so excited to get an Anna dress-up outfit. Notice the kid tree in the background. They've so enjoyed having their own tree it may need to become a tradition. 

 Since it's still Christmas, we went on our Holly Jolly car ride. This year we went to one of the light shows in our area and we all really enjoyed it. We will definitely go back another year.

This kid got a play Mass kit and so we've been having a lot of Masses at home. We are working with one of our Deaconate candidates to get a Roman Missal. C gives a pretty good homily. One was about how one of his Christmas presents reminded him of a dove, which is a sign of Jesus and Christmas is all about Jesus so that's good. Okay, it doesn't sound like much but I liked it.

And we are enjoying our break and playing with new toys. I have been making the kids work on math and spelling every day so their brains don't turn to mush. They don't appreciate it a whole lot but I am sure their teachers will! (And seriously, 15 minutes of learning isn't going to hurt anything.) 

Merry Christmas!

We are wishing you a very Merry Christmas! We will see you on the other side of Christ's birthday. Have a safe, healthy holiday enjoying it the way that speaks to your heart!

A(Nother) Christmas Program

Last night was the elementary school Christmas program. It's crazy to think that next year both kids will be in the same program! A nice three years together in the same program before they split up again. Nevertheless, this year our school got a new music  teacher and there was going to be just one performance.

So we went early to get a spot in line before the doors opened. They said they wouldn't open the doors until 5:15, but we got there just at 5:00 and I only stood in the line a few minutes. I rushed right inside and got the exact spot I wanted. Front row of the balcony.

I actually don't know why people duke it out for the floor seats. They sell the front row seats at our fundraiser so you know you won't be getting those. Well as it happens, I was the only person in the balcony for a long while and Husband made fun of me a little for being so stressed about getting to school early to get the seats no one wanted. Whatever.

Here is my guy before we left the house.

Here he is all smiley and ready to go while they're all getting settled. I honestly don't know how he managed to look right at me and smile but I love that he did! 

The first grade at our school is the smallest grade by kind of a lot. Which is SO nice for my guy since he doesn't do well in big crowds. I wish I had taken a picture of some of the other grades to compare and contrast.

Because it is our music teacher's first year it was kept very simple this year. I actually really preferred that to be honest. Last year's program was long. Each grade sang 2 songs. They didn't go in grade order though and first grade actually sang last.

 A view of M taking in the performance. See how unobstructed our view is? That's the best!

After the first grader's songs everyone K-4 came back for the finale. (2 songs) I didn't get a good picture of the whole group, only while they were filling in but generally assume there were more kids and it was cute. 

And now we are one week from Christmas! Which seems kind of crazy but that's okay.

A Book Club Christmas

Last night, we had our book club Christmas party, where we all brought a secret wrapped book with a quote or a little about the book on the paper. Then we played white elephant in order to get a new book to take home. Look at this little tree that our host made?! 

Here are some of the books ladies went home with last night! 

It was a lot of fun and even though we didn't discuss a book, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season with friends and get some extra reading material to get through the season!

A Christmas Program

Friday morning was M's Christmas program! And it was adorable and wonderful! Before she left for the program I, of course, took her picture in her Christmas outfit. (In case it didn't look so hot after a few hours of preschool!)

When Husband and I got to church we went ahead and looked at all the nice artwork. 

So precious! I love preschool art so much! Then we waited for the class to arrive! And they did!

And then they sang us their songs so nicely! No one cried this year so there was a big improvement over last year!

Afterward, we got to eat cookies and drink juice. And then all the moms took a million pictures. Of course. 

This is M's small group, the Froggy Hoppers! 

And since Husband took the day off of work, this little girl got to go out for a special lunch with just her mom and dad. AND she got to go to Target and Costco, which are her two favorite stores so she was very happy!

Winter Wonderland Wednesday

We got just enough snow to be pretty and shovel a bit. Not enough snow to really be a pain. 

M and I went out while I shoveled. She loves playing in the snow and I was happy to let her.

Pretty good Wednesday I think!

Advent By Candlelight 2019

Yesterday was our church's Advent by Candlelight dinner. A peaceful night to celebrate the season of Advent with our friends and faith community. This year I again hosted a table, meaning I decorate a table. I did pass off the wine and dessert responsibility to my friends.

For this year I opted to have a gingerbread theme for my table.

We had a lovely dinner, followed by a small prayer service with music. It was a great evening spent with good friends. Here are my lovely table companions. 

Here are some pictures from earlier during set up before the candles were lit for some detail shots.

  

It was a wonderful evening and I am so glad I was able to celebrate and calm my heart in the presence of my friends. Here are some of the other tables at the event in case you were interested. 

Can you believe it's already the second week of Advent?! Holy moly! Have a great Monday friends!