Graham Cracker Houses

The tradition of graham cracker houses lives on. I managed to make enough frosting for our entire neighborhood and then made another batch on top of that when I thought the frosting tasted strange. We weren't inviting anyone over, I was just out of control. Bryan laughed when he saw the frosting and then combine that with the amount of candy. He asked if I left any candy at the store...haha, he did have a point!

Our classy, Christmas crew. :)

Gingerbread Play Dough and Ornaments

We made gingerbread play dough that smelled so good! The kids (and I) played with it for a little while so it felt like the effort to make it was worth it. :)

We also made Santa Claus Ornaments from the kids' handprints to give to Bryan for Christmas. It was tricky to keep it a secret, but Bryan was a good sport to go along with it. Bryan still uses Luke's craft from preschool to hold his wedding ring, so I think the handprint ornaments went over well for my sentimental husband. The kids' attention spans varies with each craft, but they're usually involved long enough that it makes it fun.

B & L

Bryan and I snuck away for a long weekend with just the two of us. It was heavenly. We learned the beauty of an all-inclusive resort and how we could actually eat a lot of food when we were not even the least bit hungry. The weather did not fully cooperate, but Bryan still managed to get a little sunburned and we completed 3, almost 4 books between the two of us. Hello relaxation.

It helped knowing our kids were in great hands. We swapped babysitting with McNeils awhile ago and cashed in on our end of the deal. The McNeils braved the Ward Christmas Party and attending Church with double the amount of kids they're use to. I don't think our kiddos missed us too much while we were gone. :) We were happy to see those cute faces and pick them up after our trip...almost as happy as our friends, Kelly and Devin. :)

The Reverent Row

Advent Calendar

This is pretty much the exact opposite of the idea of filling the manger with straw, but I have to admit, this is fun in it's own commercialized, what's-in-it-for-me sort of way. :) I don't know who had the idea to change the advent calendar into a LEGO, Paw-Patrol, American Girl, Playdough, etc creation, but they are a very rich person now. My kids love these things. Like I said, very fun in their own way.

Christmas Craft

I saw this idea on Pinterest and it seemed simple enough...and it actually was! The kids enjoyed painting their clothespin snowflakes, especially when it was accompanied by a bowl of popcorn from the "new" popcorn popper. I realized I failed to take a pic of the finished project. Oops!

Neighbor Gifts

We took around wrapping paper and butter-toffee popcorn to our neighbors this year. The kids were excellent helpers with the deliveries. We used an old popcorn popper that Bryan's parents gave us to help with the popcorn recipe. It was hilarious watching the kids' reaction to it!

The link for the recipe.   https://www.melskitchencafe.com/butter-toffee-popcorn-sugar-rush-3/

Deck the Halls

I love that the kids get so excited to set up the Christmas decorations. They love to don their Santa hats and get to work. Myles preferred doing the work in his diaper. At one point, he must have thought the tree gathered too much dust over the last year and helped make it shine. :)

I bought an early Christmas gift for myself/the family. I remember growing up and my mom would place an empty manger somewhere in our home with a small bundle of straw for us to fill the manger. We could only place a piece of straw in the manger by doing a kind deed(s). I decided I wanted to try something like this in our home. I finally found a manger that I loved and told the kids about the purpose of preparing the manger before Jesus is born on Christmas Day. I explained that only by secret, kind deeds could we fill the manger for Jesus. They loved it and are so excited to add straw to the manger. We're only a few days in, but so far, I would call it a success due to simply helping us focus a little more on the true reason for the season.