Celebrating Jesus!

Allie performed in two Christmas programs this week!  On Tuesday, she sang and was the "star" of her school show.  Literally the star - the Christmas star!  The first few pictures are of her class and the 3 year old class.  After they sing there's a short intermission and they change into their Nativity clothes.  I've loved watching all three of my kids participate in this tradition.  I had to click through picture after picture of her serious face to find one of her smiling, so you better enjoy it! 

 And just for kicks, her super serious face too:

Their Nativity scene.  Mary is her BFF!

 The music teacher told me how Allie came up with a plan to hold the star and perform the motions all at the same time.  Mrs. Roxy was pretty impressed with her!

By the end of Allie's program, I was pretty sure I had been hit by the tummy bug.  When we got home I went straight to the couch and a few hours later I knew for sure I had a tummy bug. Wasn't pretty.  Thankfully my mom was at our house and she was a HUGE help!  Thank you Nana!!!  She got the boys all ready for school the next day and entertained Allie while I slept.  I couldn't stand up for more than 30 seconds until about 5:30 Wednesday evening.  I had two goals:  not to get anyone else sick and to make it to Allie's 7:00 performance at church!  So far no one else has puked, and we made it to the show!  Super Serious Face made another appearance also.  You won't see the boys in any of these pictures though.  They didn't want to be in the play.  They passed out programs before it started.  Too bad I didn't get any pictures!  They looked very handsome.

The kids all did an amazing job!  And most importantly shared the true meaning of Christmas!

How to Get Your Brother to Share Cereal

The kids have been memorizing Romans 12: 9-21 in church.  Allie doesn't have it all memorized, but I am amazed at how much she knows.  I really need to get a video of her saying it.  It is priceless!  And it totally makes my heart happy to hear my kids quoting God's Word.  Sometimes you wonder though if they really understand what the verses mean.  Today Spence and Allie proved that they grasp at least part of that passage, kind of sort of... 

This morning I was getting ready for church and overheard the kids in the kitchen.  Coleman had found the box of Cookie Crisp and apparently wasn't giving any to Spence and Allie.  So Spence yells, "Share with the Lord's people who are in need!"  And Allie follows with, "Practice hospitality!"  Oh my word.  It completely made my morning!

Style Watch: December Edition

Allie is such a trendsetter, and it's time to share her fashion with the world!  Although I'm not sure the world is ready...

This was her look yesterday for school.  I suggested she wear something that matched in case her teachers were taking any Christmas gift photos.  OK, so I more than "suggested."  I guess since I limited her creativity that day she added the sticker and multiple hair clips.  Brian took her to school and quoted one of her teachers as saying Allie was a "hot mess!"

Today is not quite as cold as it has been, so the fashionista opted for shorts and a long t-shirt.  Allie likes to layer on a big Christmas bow as a sash for a festive look!

Then you can totally take this look outside with a fun critter hat!  She just purchased this at Walgreens (where all style divas shop) with her own money.

This was a hairstyle she requested a few Sundays ago.  I wish I would have gotten a picture from the front because she has on the most adorable sequined dress.  (Really, it is adorable.)

So as you can see, Allie likes to experiment with many different looks.  And I love to see what she comes up with, because seriously, you just never know!

Santa

It feels a lot like Christmas here today!  So it was a perfect day to capture a great picture for our Christmas card.  We drove a few miles out of town to historic downtown Richmond where there are old brick buildings and a "vintage" railroad bridge.  Once everyone's fancy clothes were on and hair was brushed it was probably our most pleasant photo session to date! Instead of bribing them with candy I explained that our card is like our gift to about 100 families, and they needed to have a good attitude and make this a gift everyone would enjoy receiving.  We got some great shots and didn't have any attitudes to deal with!  In fact, the only issue we encountered was when  the police caught them standing on the railroad tracks and flashed their lights and drove over to tell us that wasn't allowed.  Oops! Our sweet kiddos tried to tell us they shouldn't stand on the tracks. We got a few pictures before we were busted as lawbreakers, but I don't think we got a card-worthy picture with the railroad bridge. We walked over to the main street where they had live performers, vendors, and even Santa!  How convenient that Santa was right there and we don't have to visit him at the mall this year!  Allie and Spence asked for a trampoline and Coleman asked for an electric toothbrush.  Yes, you read that right!  Santa said he'd never had anyone ask him for an electric toothbrush before.  He may have to contract that gift out! After they talked to Santa, we found some old school desks set up where kids could write letters to Santa.  Spence and Allie were really excited to do it, then drop them in the mailbox.  We're even supposed to get a letter back from Old St. Nick!  Since we haven't chosen our card picture yet, I'll just share some of the Santa pictures from today.

Santa, please bring us a trampoline and an electric toothbrush for our brother

Dear Santa...

She drew a picture of her wish

Christmases Past

Since I haven't gotten my act together yet to take Christmas pictures, I've been looking through old ones.  I love seeing the kids and how they've changed through the years.  It's really strange to see pictures from before Allie was born!  I was enjoying them so much that I thought I would share a few!  At least to tide us over until I get some current ones.  Hold your horses.

2005

2006

This was the Christmas Brian had knee surgery.  That was a rough one!

2007

2008

2009

2010

LOVE this picture.  Check out the Twizzler hanging out of Allie's mouth!  Oh yeah, and the brotherly love.

2011 Jammie picture

2011 Picking out our tree (Home Depot style!)

2012

2012 A real tree farm!  Unfortunately it was shorts weather.  That takes a little of the magic out of finding the perfect tree.  Oh well!

It's so funny that last year we finally found a great tree farm with a hay ride that takes you out to the trees where you choose and cut your own.  Then this past summer we had some friends move across the country and they gave us their amazing tree!  I was a little sad about not going to pick out our tree, but I got over it real quick!  This tree doesn't have to be watered, it hasn't fallen over once, and there aren't needles all over the floor.  Hmmm.  Maybe I'll take a picture of it soon!