Christmas Vacation!

We are having a wonderful Christmas vacation. The boys play so well together. It's really hard to believe that the day has come when they don't need me there for constant monitoring and supervision.

The big, much anticipated present for M this year has been Harry Potter Lego's. He sat at the kitchen table the day after Christmas and didn't move until he had the whole thing put together. I think we might see engineer or architecture in his future:).

N got a BB gun, because as one of my friends at work said: it isn't Christmas in the South until someone gets a firearm! My husband and N went out to the backyard to shoot the gun Christmas Day but the cold, cold wind brought them back in after about 10 minutes.

I have been cleaning and organizing like a mad-woman. Something about all the new Christmas "stuff" always makes me a little desperate to purge unwanted or broken toys.

We have a play date in the works for this afternoon with two of their buddies from school and their sisters. It always throws the boys for a loop when girls are added to the mix, especially N. He has been talking about the girls for several days now. I hope he can play it cool when the time comes:)!!

I have been thinking of some New Year resolutions that I would like to implement in 2011. I love the new beginning and fresh start that the new year represents. I hope to write a post soon with a "list" for the New Year!!

Hope everyone is having a great Christmas Vacation!!

teacher gifts

I always struggle with finding Christmas presents for the boy's teachers. Before we moved to Small Town I would just go to Starbucks and get a gift certificate and a cute coffee mug (because what teacher doesn't like coffee?). But since the closest Starbucks is an hour away, I must get a little more creative with my gift giving.
A girlfriend told me about Planters Seasonal Nuts that they have at Wal-Mart. Have you tried these? They are really yummy!!

Look at that peanut brittle...yum:)

My favorite is the Brittle Nut Medley (because I have a major sweet tooth;) but the Winter Spiced is good too. Kinda cinnamony with a spicy kick!

I found some 1/2 pint canning jars Better Homes and Gardens brand that were around $8 for a 12 pack. It took two nut containers to fill all 12 jars with just a little bit left over for me to snack on;)!!

I found the gift tags here and printed several out on card stock. Then I just wrapped a pretty ribbon around!

I like the way they turned out.

What kind of teacher's gifts do you give?

Brotherly Love!!

conversation with M

M: Mom, do you think my red hat looks like a girls hat?

Me: No, I think it looks like a boys hat and you look really cute in it! Why?

M: oh, some of the kids at school say it looks like a girls hat.

Me: Who said that?

M: I don't know.

Me: Was it __________? (insert name of child who I overheard call M a baby).

M: No, I don't remember. Just some kids.

Me: Who was it, I want names...but nobody is going to get in trouble!!!

M: umm...I forgot.

Me: Okay, well...I like the hat. What do you think?

M: I like my hat and I'm going to wear it!

Me: Well...umm...good, who cares what they think!!

Who sounds like the adult in this conversation?

I'm not proud of myself but I am so proud of M for standing up for himself and not caring what his friends think!!

the christmas tour!

I love this time of year. I love hearing the boys talk about what they want for Christmas. I'm amazed that they don't want too much. I remember as a kid making a huge "wish list" every year of the things that I wanted. But the boys can't really think of anything beyond one or two things.

I love how they play with the ornaments like my sister and I did when we were little. Charlie Brown and Baby Jesus, that's Christmas at our house!

I love how the sparkly lights and ribbon and bows make this ugly old house almost pretty!! Nothing against my house you understand, she just needs some work done;)

I love the sentimental treasures, like the crocheted bells that MeMa made for us when we first got married. I found several on my candlesticks in the living room. Courtesy of M, I'm sure!!

I love how the whole family was involved in the making of the yule log centerpiece. I love how we don't need something new or expensive or trendy to make this Christmas special!

christmas lunch

The grand old hotel made more special with the embellishment of twinkle lights and garland
Just begs for a sing along of favorite Christmas tunes

A roaring fire welcome guests with it's warmth and architectural detail

Nothing says fine dining like white linen

For this crowd:)!!

As they sing praise and give thanks for the birth of Jesus

My handsome date for lunch!

a busy time of year

The boys have both asked for a Bible for Christmas and I'm thinking about getting the one above that I found at DaySprings.

We are also enjoying a free download devotional A Jesus Advent Celebration: Jesse Tree Journey that I found here.

And a countdown 'til Christmas magnetic calendar that the boys MeMe bought for us here.

The house has her fancy clothes on...all decorated for Christmas. The boys have been obsessively talking about a Nutcracker Man that they can keep in their bedroom for added seasonal decor (but so far I haven't been able to find one).

I have been volunteering like crazy at the school:

1. Christmas Float for the Small Town Parade
2. helping to make "clouds that look like Heaven" for the school Play
3. making cookies for the reception after the Play
4. and the ever present Chili Cook-off committee which is our big fund raiser for the school.

This weekend we have a much needed weekend vacation planned with some friends of ours. More to come on that and plenty of pictures:)!!

One last thought...has anyone heard these Scripture Lullabies? They are so beautiful, soft and soothing, I fell in love.