December Gifts

21. A thunderstorm waking me this morning. (Thank you Lord for the rain)

22. Excited faces on Christmas morning.

23. A shared meal with new friends.

24. The ability to learn and the availablity of knowledge to care for my family.

25. Walking up on a deer and seeing him leap across the creek.

26. Warm herb biscuits from the oven.

27. Jeb remembering what each advent candle stands for.

28. Reading Havve You Seen My Duckling? with Caleb.

29. Covering the boys with leaves and hearing "Mommy do it again."

30. Muddy hands and dirty shoes

31. Dreams given by the dreamgiver (God)

32. Farm-fresh eggs

33. Lora's wet kisses and happy coos.

34.An overheard "I'm sorry, will you forgive me." from Jeb to Caleb.

35. A sweet snuggle under a warm blanket

Advent Update

A little update on our advent activities.

Advent wreath and candles-We have been keeping up with this each night at suppertime. The boys enjoy blowing out the candles. Jeb remembers what each candle stands for (hope, peace, joy)

The second candle stands for peace. We used Isaiah 9:6-7 as our scripture.

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on

his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty

God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of

Peace.

Of the increase of his government

and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord almighty

will accomplish this."

The third candle stands for joy. We are using Luke 2:8-14 as our scripture.

We are hiding the countdown to Christmas gifts each night and letting the boys look for the surprises with their flashlights. After they find the gift, we read the corresponding scripture. This is by far the most fun activity we do with them. They eagerly await this time each night.

Each night we hang the next ornament on the tree and briefly discuss what it means.

We have let the Jesse Tree activities slip. We kept them up for about a week. After beginning the activities with the book I purchased, I wasn't really impressed with the book. I may do some more of the devotions, but I want to plan this out a little better for next year.

We have gotten to share one of our advent meals with some new friends from church.

Gifts

21. Giggles and grins as the boys look for the advent gift with their flashlights.
22. Alone time with Caleb-playing ball, finding crickets and writing with sidewalk chalk-while Jeb and Lora where still napping.
23. Dinner with friends.
24. Helping the boys and their friends make gingerbread men.
25. Quiet dinner with Chris.