The Christmas Season is Here

We've been doing a few Christmas things here and there - so I'll get you up to speed!

We put up the tree and our train set, which is new from last year. Our friend, Ben, gave it to the boys. It’s a huge hit, and also causes numerous fights- well worth it!. Thanks, Ben!

We went to Jolly Holiday Lights and picked up these rad 3-D glasses, and frequently like to just wear them around the house looking at our Christmas tree lights.  Jolly Holiday Lights was a huge hit again with the boys- we do it every year and really enjoy it.   I also beat my husband in a game of Scrabble, which has nothing to do with Christmas or traditions, but I always think that winning is worth mentioning.  I hope Santa wasn’t watching when Joe was spelling naughty words. My husband is like 0-19 in Scrabble against me. Just sayin’.

We received 16 inches of snow in 12 hours here. So, we went sledding.  I spent 45 minutes finding the right combination of gloves, hats, mittens, snowpants and coats; spent about 30 minutes sledding; and spent another hour drying out everything!

We made a paper chain as a countdown to Christmas and the boys LOVE ripping off the link every night! 

We got all of our Christmas books by the boys’ beds out and read only Christmas stories this month.  Although, I am growing tired of the “Where is Clifford’s Sled” story. 

I received a box of homemade goodies and treats from an “old but new” friend – and well, that’s something I have never received before! We used to get these a lot from my mom’s friends, but guess my generation doesn’t do so much of that.  So, I really, really appreciated this gesture!

I got roses from Joe!  I think they were “sorry for spelling naughty words in Scrabble” roses.  Or, maybe “Thanks for doing everything for our family around Christmas time” roses. Or possibly, “I don’t know what your problem is but I’m hoping to heck these will help” roses. Or “please don’t make me go to the mall this month” roses.  I’m not sure but I loved them!!!

Joe and Joey made this AWESOME igloo in the freezing cold weather.

Joey participated in the Lutheran Church of Hope Sunday School program and made me so proud!!!  And, he participated in his school program – with both sets of grandparents there, a great grandma and an uncle! We had our own cheering section!

We set up  this nativity scene….and felt it was necessary to place Tom Brady right next to Baby Jesus. Rightfully so.   Michigan. God. One in the same. I’m KIDDING, GOD! KIDDING. Maybe.

We had two of our couple friends over- Joe & Allison and John & Lindsey, and their son, Jack.  Joe and Allison are expecting now, so our little group is growing!  We did a gift exchange but the gift had to come out of your own house- so you could choose a shirt of your spouse’s (as Lindsey did); an unwanted wedding gift (as Joe did); a picture of Drake University from an old law office (as Joe W. did); a toilet seat lid no longer needed due to your recent bathroom makeover (as I did); or a bottle of whiskey (as Allison did).  It was a fun night filled with lots of laughter and conversation, and plans for New Year’s Eve (which included being in bed in our pajamas by 10 p.m.  WILD).

  

Lastly, my cousins, Jon and Kim invited us over for a Christmas celebration.  We’ve done this three years in a row now- you are required to bring something you’ve never made before and this year I tackled my grandma’s cream puffs, with the help of my sister-in-law who is an excellent baker. They turned out great! Jon and Kim made beef brisket and turkey, and my sister made a new cheesy appetizer which was awesome, too.  And, Kim’s sister came as well, and made a Twice Baked Potato Casserole which was amazing!  It was a fun night, and I just can’t believe how fast the kiddos are growing up! Kim’s house looked great decorated, and she spoiled the kids – and the adults – with little gifts!  She was a great hostess and Jon was a great cook- the perfect combination! The night ended with Polar Express and Hot Chocolate- which might have been Reagan’s favorite part of the night!

 

Although Christmas is about old traditions, it’s also just about the everyday moments to make the birth of Jesus that much special!  We are anticipating the big day with much excitement here- hope you are too!