What a busy and fun month it has been...and will continue to be! Hope you will enjoy these pictures of what's been going on around here!
Here's a picture of my niece, Sarah. In early December she borrowed my house to have a jewelry party with items she either designed and made, or items she repurposed. Sarah is a 3rd year student at nearby Kent State University. She is a sweetheart. It was a fun way to kick off the holiday season and made me hustle to get decorated!
The same day as the jewelry party, in the evening, our small group had our Christmas get-together. Here is a photo of me and Bob that was taken there. Oh and in the morning of that same day was the funeral of Mary Talbot, who I wrote about earlier. (Story here.) So December started off being really busy!
Princess Elylah turns four on Christmas Eve, and she has had a month long celebration already! Her parents gave her a "children's party" (at our house) earlier in the month...
Here she is with her Uncle Jonah, who is 7.
This past Saturday, her Papa and I took her to a children's play at a theater in a nearby town. She got to wear her Christmas dress. Isn't she beautiful? When her cousins get here from SC on New Years Day, along with her little brother Ethan, we will get a picture of all four of them in their matching outfits. (I reserve my right to be an obnoxious grandma!)
After the play, which we attended with friends, we all went to Dairy Queen for ice cream.
Jonathan (5) and Benjamin (3) celebrated with us!
I think this shot is priceless!
Jonathan's and Benjamin's parents, our dear friends, Ken & Jen.
The following day, Elylah had yet another party at our house, this time we were invited! In attendance also were her other grandma (Lola), her great-grandma's (GG and Amma), her great aunt, her mom's cousin and fiance, and her uncle Jonah, her mommy and daddy and little brother, Ethan. Joanna made her princess cake (again!). It was absolutely amazing!
If all this activity wasn't enough, we had a birthday party for JESUS on Monday!
The kids made these darling foam nativity sets from kits I bought at Michael's on sale for only $3.19 each!
They also made these pretty Christmas trees, using ice cream cones, frosting, and decorations.
(Had to sneak in a cute shot of Ethan and Curious George)
The children took turns telling parts of the Christmas story, using the Fisher-Price nativity set. One by one, the pieces were put into place, and we were amazed at how much these little people, ages 5 and under, know already and can tell with such excitement. Please notice the three kings that are placed face down. Without any prompting, Jonathan did that, explaining that they bowed down to worship baby Jesus!
The kids each got to choose a gift from my basket, as we explained why we give gifts on Christmas.
When they come back on Christmas Eve, they will be able to take home one of these rolls filled with candy. (See this previous post for these ideas.)
Tomorrow will be a busy day too. My favorite Santa will be making a surprise visit to some children. Humm...wonder when I will bake, wrap our gifts, finish my newsletters and mail them, finish some gift projects I'm working on, and well, FORGET about shopping for a new Christmas sweater! Also, I'm still trying to decide who to gift with my Christmas Jar (see this post for explanation.)
My journal says that last year on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 I stayed up till 3:00 am to get everything done. That's not going to happen this year...and so I say, Merry Christmas to all, and to all GOODNIGHT!
5 comments:
Jacquelyn, I have been here three times and end up getting pulled away by "life" :) Even now Alivia is expected any minute.
Elylah is beautiful in her Christmas dress, a Happy Birthday to her. Christmas Eve is my oldest son Rick's wedding anniversary and my nephew's birthday.
You have been busy with family and friends. I will look at g/children photos anyday, Ethan looks huggably sweet and cute in his red Christmas sweater!
I wish you and your family a Joyful Christmas Jacquelyn!
Wanda
Your family is lovely. Isn't it special to share our Christianity with our upcoming generations, whether it be a decorated cookie or your wonderful nativities the children are holding.
We also have a birthday party for Jesus. We celebrate Christmas Eve at the farm, my Mom's home. Dad passed away 2 falls ago so I thought it would be different somehow. It isn't. It is still a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Christ child. As we all sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, the little ones eyes lit up at the bright candle that centered His cake. Mom then cuts the cake in the shape of a star and no one ever wants to take the first piece.
It has become a lovely tradition and simply teaches the young ones the true meaning of Christmas.
I see your Christmas was well celebrated and join in your joy.
Blessings Be Yours my newfound cyberspace friend. Come Visit Often. I love the company.
Just wanted to pop in and wish you and yours a wonderful New Year...
Blessings Be Yours
What beautiful children! All of them. You have been very thorough in your preparations. The activities and gifts are simple and meaningful. The children are sure to remember them!
Thank you all, friends. As you may know, our Christmas was a bit "interrupted" when we spent Christmas Eve in the ER with my m-i-l. She is doing well now, not even using the oxygen...I'm very anxious to catch up with everyone...the other half of my family just left two days ago and so I'm still a bit "behind". But I'll get there! I so appreciate the wonderful friendships I have made through this amazing technology. I look forward to getting to know you all more and more in the new year!
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