Last week in church I thought I might get up and bare my testimony. Usually I have 4 good excuses to not go in front of people to blubber and cry and pour my heart out, but the older ones were sitting with their church grandma, and Ryan took the younger ones out for being loud. But right before I could get up, Ryan came back in with the youngers who had quieted themselves down. But, their sweetness lasted about 2 seconds. So, Ryan and I both ended up in the halls with screaming and active children. So much for that thought.
Church is wonderful. Sure, my kids are loud and Annie likes to scream, "MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY!" but, watching the girls play with Ryan's tie, or hearing the hymns of praise as my olders color pictures, or having Lucy and Elsa make a comment about what they are learning...seriously, if you don't go to church, you are missing out. It makes all the crazy worth it.
Our current favorites of the season:
Annie's favorite: singing songs - she has an excellent song memory
Leta's favorite: her tiger mask and elephants
We had an incident yesterday where we tried to get her off this elephant statue to go into the museum. Let's just say there was screaming and whaling and gnashing of teeth.
Could someone please just gift Leta this elephant statue?
We finally made it to the museum - thankfully. Seeing Santa there helped lessen the blow that Leta had to leave her beloved elephant behind.
Elsa and Lucy's favorite: paper, writing on said paper and stashing said paper in any purse, wallet or bag they can find. I am constantly throwing out (recycling for all earth friendly people) paper. But, for some reason, there seems to always be more.
All girls' favorites: Making "spots" "nests" or "cribs"
Lucy took a nap like this:
(Lucy and Elsa don't normally take naps, but they were cranks, so we made them go lay down - they dozed off which resulted in much happier children)
My favorite: Finally doing some simple Christmas traditions that are working.
CHRISTmas - making Christ the center of the season. I often think, "Oh, when I have more time..." I can do all those fun things. But, I have come to understand that if I don't stress, there really are some simple things I can do with little to no money and in a small amount of time that make all the difference:
- The Spirit of Christmas Bowl: I typed up some strips of paper with a gift the girls can give each day. Each day they pick out one strip of paper and do that thing on their own time and will. Some examples are,
"Pray for those who are sad or lonely"
"Give the gift of a smile"
"Give the gift of a hug"
"Be extra happy with what you are given - don't complain about what you don't have"
"Give the gift of laughter"
"Do a service for someone without them knowing"
"Write someone a note" ect.
Today Lucy noted that the speaker in church said to be happy with what we are given. "Mom, that was my job today!" she exclaimed. Then after church, Elsa snuck into our room and made our bed to do her secret service. I love that they get excited to give these kinds of gifts. And it is teaching them to do things without constant reminders.
- Advent Calendar: This one gets better each year. I finally got all my envelopes numbered and made. I got the Christmas ABC scriptures from the friend and added a fun thing to do each day. We got a little behind, so although we aren't perfect with it, it helps me make sure I'm doing something fun and festive and family centered with the girls each day (or almost every day).
- A Child's Nativity: We have the Little People nativity thanks to my mom, but I have the strong opinion that there needs to be at least one nativity that can be man handled by the children in the family. Not thinking, I got out my good nativity and left the Little People one in the garage for a few days until I had time to get out the rest of the decorations. Needless to say, a wiseman lost his hands in the battle.
- FHE: Thanks to Pinterest and Google, there are some great family home evening lessons I found already prepared for the season. These are two that I plan to do this month: symbols of Christmas and Jesus and Santa.
- Songs of Christ: We are trying to learn some songs (which requires me to just start singing at random times throughout the day). But, we are doing better this year with listening to Christmas music too.
Merry Christmas!
Here is my advent calendar if anyone wants to just copy and paste:
1: Angels (Luke 2:1–9)make paper chain countdown till Christmas
2: Bethlehem (Luke 2:10–15) put up nativities – talk about Christmas story
3: Christ (2 Nephi 25:23, 26)write a letter to Santa and to Jesus
4: Deeds (1 John 3:18, 23–24) make paper snowflakes for decorations
5: Everlasting (John 3:16–17)put up Christmas village
6: Family (Luke 2:16–17) – Decorate tree, go get free Bahama Bucks
7: Gold (Matthew 2:1–11) Zoo lights
8: Herod (Matthew 2:12–16) make Christmas ornaments
9: Israel (Matthew 2:19–21) go downtown to see our wreaths and to 2nd Friday
10: Joseph (Matthew 1:19–24) go see Santa at Bass Pro
11: King (D&C 128:23) make Christmas cards for our friends and family
12: Lord (D&C 19:1; Isaiah 26:4) look at old Christmas pictures
13: Mary (Luke 1:27–38, 46–48) go to the Temple lights
14: Nazareth (Matthew 2:22–23) paint toenails and nails festive
15: Obedient (John 8:29; Hebrews 5:8–9) Go to the Library and check out Christmas books
16: Peace (Luke 2:14; Isaiah 9:6) Dance to Christmas Music
17: Quickly (D&C 49:28) bake Christmas goodies and take to some neighbors
18: Redeemer (Job 19:25; Mormon 9:11–13) act out the Nativity in Luke 2
19: Steadfastness (2 Nephi 26:8; 31:20) go for a drive and look at Christmas lights, have hot chocolate by the fire
20: Teach (Matthew 28:18–20) play musical chairs with Christmas music
21: Unshaken faith (2 Nephi 31:19) watch a Christmas movie with popcorn
22: Voice (Alma 5:38; Helaman 12:23)Play don’t eat Rudolph in pajamas
23: Willing (Mosiah 26:17–18) Go caroling
24: Young (D&C 43:20) Girls dress up fancy for a “fancy” home dinner
25: Zion (1 Nephi 13:37)- Merry Christmas! Enjoy your gifts and the spirit of Christmas.
0 comments:
Post a Comment