It's almost time....

So, the countdown to Christmas begins... Do you remember doing this as a child? Opening each day on the advent calender and thinking we're one day closer to Christmas? Growing up in a Methodist church we also had an advent wreath. Each Sunday another candle was lit on the advent wreath...another sign that Christmas was closer! When Christmas Eve came, my brother and sister and I always had a hard time sleeping. Our mom would make us a glass of warm milk or sleepytime tea to help us fall asleep because we were so excited. I don't think it helped - the anticipation was too great! We couldn't stop thinking about what the morning would bring us! Well, we were never disppointed, and our expectations were usually exceeded. I have wonderful memories of Christmas as a child. It is such a joy to be on the other side now and watch the same excitement in my own children about getting out the decorations, doing the advent wreath and counting down the days. I've been reminded frequently of these memories and feelings because Christmas is coming early for me this year. Our baby girl will be born in 2 days. I have found I have felt the same antcipation, the counting down of the days, and the sleepless nights as I did when I was a child waiting on Christmas. But this is so much bigger - and the countdown started much earlier!! Although I have 2 children and have gone through this before, we had a harder time conceiving this child and she has been wanted for a very long time. Could we really FINALLY be just 2 days away?? It's so exciting!!!!!!! I'm going to have to drink warm milk or sleeptime time tea the next few nights.

Though I am blogging about the anticipation of gifts/gift, our family knows that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:16-18 Though our family has lots of fun at Christmas time we celebrate in every way the true meaning of Christmas in all of our festivities. The birth of Christ our Savior. A few years ago, I was told about a wonderful book that I recommend. It's called "The AVENTure in Christmas" by Lisa Whelchel. It shares the stories and biblical meaning behind each of our Christmas traditions from decorating the tree to baking cookies. It's wonderful in incorporating Christ into every aspect of the holiday celebrations. My prayer is that your family is making wonderful and fun Christ-filled memories this Christmas, full of excitement and anticipation! Merry Christmas!

(My next post will be a birth announcement! Yippee, yippee, Yay!! Yay! I'd better go warm some milk...)

Forester's 7th Birthday

I am a couple weeks behind on posting this, mainly because I didn't get very good pictures and was going to get some from my mom. But, I may never actually get around to doing that so, it's now or never.
Forester had a Bionicle theme for his party. Know what a Bionicle is? I hardly do either. They are made by Legos and they are these alien looking things that have to be put together and they are all the rage with boys these days. Forester received 4 new Bionicles for his birthday and it "was the best birthday ever!". He also wanted a pet turtle. After some investigating it turns out turtles are pretty germy and disgusting and very expensive to take care of. So, we opted for "Sunny" the hamster instead. So far, she's very cute and well behaved and is probably more my pet than the kids since I keep after her. Oh well, I don't mind!
We had a kids party here at the house just to play in the backyard and let me tell you, it was total chaos! I think there were 11 kids and some parents and...my house and yard never felt so small. Things were crazy! I'm never doing that again. Hosting kid birthdays is never fun for me. And doing it somewhere other than your house or park is SO expensive! We just can't afford it. The whole thing just stresses me out! I think I'll go back to family only parties from now on. What about you? Are you like me or maybe the opposite? Do you enjoy planning the parties every year?