New Traditions, Old Traditions

There's been something that feels a little different about this Christmas... even before the sadness of Friday.  Maybe it's the warmer weather we've had.  Maybe it's the boys both being off at school.  Maybe it's all the new and different activities we have been doing.  I think what most feels like Christmas to me are making sugar cookies, listening to Christmas records, watching White Christmas, and being with my family--because that's how it was for the first 20 or so years of my life.  But every year since then has been a little different from the last...different homes, new children, husband that isn't a big Bing Crosby fan, etc.  I've enjoyed our activities this year, though I'm not sure all this scheduled fun is all it's cracked up to be, but I guess there are just certain things that will be forever in my mind as "Christmas".  What I'm thankful for is that--putting all the activities and traditions aside--the meaning and my understanding of Jesus coming to Earth deepens every year.  I think what happened Friday gives us even more reason to be thankful for Jesus' birth and so so hopeful for his soon return to make all things right.

So all that being said, here is what we did this week and a few pictures from some of the activities:

-I had a great time helping put on a Christmas party for our Kids' Night Out families.

-We took some cookies and cards to the fire station around the corner.  The boys and I got in a fire truck.  We also gave cookies and cards to the mail lady.

-We took books, crayons, and coloring books to the Duke Children's Hospital.  Man is that a nice place!  We were told about 100 kids will be spending Christmas there this year.

-We watched Christmas movies.

-I got a little crafty. (thanks, pinterest)

-We made a "gingerbread" nativity.

Matt's cow (with udders) and camel...and Gray's shepherd.

Whoops--Think the shepherd went cow tippin'.

-We had basketball practice a few times.  So funny.

-We made "blessing bags" for homeless people--so far we only found one to give it to.  Think the cold is keeping them away from their usual place on the way to school.

-Matt and I got to go see The Hobbit while the kids got to stay with Nanny and Pa.

-We made gingerbread men and ornaments with the Stewarts and Knox and Stella.  Sadly, I forgot my camera.

-We went to see the "dancing lights".

-We made gifts for the boys' teachers (thanks, pinterest).

-We visited Granny.

-Julia got a very quick stomach bug.

-We sometimes read our Jesse Tree stories, but are way behind.

I think that covers it.  This week we are looking forward to crafts, movies, class parties, game night, time with Nanny and Pa, and soon....our trip to Fort Mill!!