Christmas 2008
Posted on Jan 03, 2009 under Christmas, Pictures, family | 3 CommentsWow, so much has happened in the last month!
I taught the K-1 class in RE this month. We studied The Posada and Christianity. I loved working with the kids and I loved having the Christian influence in our UU church. Carter and Skye loved hearing about Jesus’ birth and how and why we celebrate Christmas.
A few good ideas new to this year; I wrapped all of our Christmas books and let the kids alternate opening one a day. Usually in the morning. (we are a two car family now, so we were able to have pj mornings!) and we read them all. It really worked out great. I look forward to doing it again next year!
I put the ‘kid’s ornaments’ in a special box last year and put them right up top. So when we were decorating they were able to just have an entire box of stuff that was good for them to put up right away. Worked out really well!
Also, in true UU fashion, we celebrated the Winter Solstice. We had dinner with friends them a small celebration where we talked about the solstice and what it meant. It was quite lovely!
We got our tree from Greenfield Village. If ever the opportunity presents it’s self, I recommend you go! It was a lovely, picturesque lot with cute little Balsam Firs from Nova Scotia. The best Christmas tree we’ve ever had. Not the biggest, or the fullest, just the best!
Also, we went to HFM for their Christmas fun! We saw Santa there. Made crafts, played with trains and had lots of fun! Another ‘must do’ annually, if possible!
We spent Christmas eve day in PJ’s. Baking, playing, and enjoying the calm before the storm! The kids and I made peppermint bark and chocolate chip cookies. Yum!
Christmas Day was what it should be. Not over done. Simple, fun, happiness! Carter received a knight shield and sword, a klean kanteen, a bouncy ball (thanks for the great idea Nicki!) and a few books he’s been wanting. His stocking was full with a Turbo twist math game, small bilbo, gum and candy and a few other goodies!
Skye received a Webkinz Horse, a klean kanteen, Plan people for her dollhouse, and a book about a homeschooling family. She also had a hugely full stocking with all kinds of goodies!
They both received a few games and a train set from mom and dad.
The kids really enjoyed Christmas crafting this year! We did mostly homemade gifts for family. Rolling beeswax candle and making lavender dryer bags. The kids wanted to help and did help with the entire process this year!
Also this month, Carter traveled by train to Kalamazoo (with Grandmas of course). He had a great time! What wonderful memories for him!
Wow, we had a busy month in retrospective! The mall hosted a Polar Express exhibit. The kids really enjoyed. Thank goodness for homeschooling. We were able to go early one weekday morning and explore the area with no lines. Carter is Polar Express’ #1 fan. We also caught a free showing of it at a local theater. After they had a drawing and Carter won, the book, the cd and THE BELL. He was so pleased!
December also brought one of the biggest snow days we’ve seen in awhile! The kids had fun playing in it!
With everything seeming to be recessed, down turned, closing and bad lately, it’s sometimes hard to look for the everyday positive. But we do, because if we focused on the negative we would only bring more negative to our lives. I am so happy for the lovely children I have to remind me that everyday is good, even the bad ones.
Wishes for 2009. Well, while I wish for stability. I have a feeling it’s a year of change. Even more than last. So, I wish for myself the patience with change. Knowing that it can be unsettling and that things will get better. Hopefully it will be the kind of stuff that makes us all grow stronger without breaking us in the process.
Sorry this post has been sort of spazy and wordy. Still trying to figure out what I want out of this vs what should be out there. Trying to hold back a bit, but I have so much to share!
Pictures are on flickr. You need to by my ‘friend’ to see them LMK if you want an invite or need any help with that!