The Week After Christmas

We spent the week after Christmas RELAXING & playing!!!

Our Christmas Whirlwind

Christmas in Moulton

We spent the 2 days before Christmas in Moulton & had a great time eating, playing, and opening gifts. Daniel and Laura Ann had a blast with Kate and all of the McWhorter cousins too. We got home Christmas Eve night just in time to put some cookies out for Santa & jump in the bed!

Christmas Morning at Home

Dan & I were shocked that Daniel actually slept until 6:15. We decided to go ahead & wake Laura Ann up then so that they could come downstairs together. As in years past, the top of the steps pick is my favorite. Daniel is bursting with excitement & Laura Ann is in a total daze! Daniel came flying down the steps to check things out & I ended up having to carry Laura Ann down the steps. She woke up quickly & was super excited with what Santa had left, as was Daniel. After checking out Santa's gifts & their stockings, they opened their gifts from us. We had a quick breakfast and started packing for Douglasville. It was a little harder getting out the door this year because they were all into their new toys. Especially Daniel......who didn't get to ride his new bike before we left because it was raining. After lots of coaxing that we would be home soon to play our hearts out, we took off for the last leg of our whirlwind!

Christmas in Douglasville

We continued our celebration of Jesus' birthday with more eating, playing & opening gifts. We enjoyed visiting with lots of family and Daniel and Laura Ann had so much fun with Caroline. We spent lots of time talking about this time next year when our new cousin, baby Sarah will be with us.....so exciting!!

Christmas with our Fur Babies

Gotta love a real 'action' shot!!! Please excuse Laura Ann's wet head.....she had just finished her bath.....

Since we are out of town 2 days before Christmas in Moulton and the 2 days after Christmas in Douglasville and our dogsitter is all grown up & married.....we have to board our dogs for Christmas. It's not ideal, but it is what it is. We did Christmas with them before we left to go to Moulton. As always, it was totally chaotic, which is why I've yet to ever get a good pic of all of the kids & the dogs. Champ, Ruthie & Molly were thrilled with part of the contents of their stockings.....treats, which they immediately ate. The other thing in their stockings, they weren't too excited about....spa gift cards! While at the vet, they are getting treated with baths & a mani/pedi. Maybe, just maybe, Santa will put a Spa gift card in my stocking (and Santa, before you get any cute ideas, I don't mean the spa at the vet)!!

The Week Before Christmas......

We packed A LOT into this week......

CAROLERS!!!


The Bowden family came to our house caroling & this year they added the Pates & Ann Hill to the group.   Seriously, does it get any better??    Lance Pate & Kristen Sharp in the same group!!!    We lived it up.....sat on the porch listening to them all the way down the street.    Max, Jack, Rose & Sam were so sweet to hand out cookies & Mrs. Ann had candy canes.    Daniel & Laura Ann thought it was the grandest thing ever.   And Laura Ann was thrilled to get a hug from Mrs. Kristen.    I was really proud that we actually had on pajamas this year & weren't on the porch in our underwear!! :-)


BUSY ELVES!



CHRISTMAS FUN in the KITCHEN!



THE TRUTH IN THE TINSEL

I found a blog with the best advent devotional for kids and had the best of intentions to follow along all month.   We did do the scripture reading each day & lit our advent candles, but I totally dropped the ball on all of the cute crafts that went along with it.....maybe next year.    I picked out a Christmas song to go with each devotional too & we would watch a youtube video of the song.    Laura Ann's favorite was Selah's Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanual.    It became a regular......I'm sure we watched it no less than 20 times!    Her favorite part was the close up of Mary looking at baby Jesus.    She would always say at that part, "That's my favorite!".



SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER

One morning, we found our elves with my bible & a note that asked us to read I John 3:17-18.

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or in tongue but with actions and in truth."

The note suggested a good way to do this was to visit the nursing home.   We found out that there is an angel tree there for the residents who have no family, so we adopted one!   After a visit to the dollar store to pick up some decorations, we headed to the nursing home to decorate her room for Christmas. We also got her the items on her wish list and she will get those at their party on Christmas Day.  Our angel was sleeping while we were there, but we prayed for her & hoped that the decorations we left in her room would make her smile when she woke up.   Then we passed out jingle bells to the residents in the hallway.    It was a really sweet time.    Our only melt down occurred when Daniel's reindeer antlers were broken before we ever got out of the car.   After a few minutes of tears & Laura Ann's offer to  have her antlers, he decided he could accomplish the mission antler-less!!  :-)


WE LOVE MAIL!
They both were thrilled to get singing Christmas cards from the Coueys!    And Daniel was super thrilled to get a letter from Santa himself!!   His class wrote letters to Santa earlier in the month & apparently, Santa writes back!   So fun!



LOTS OF PLAYTIME
.....and for Jeb & Daniel, most of it was outside......



It has been a fun filled week & we are super excited about our Christmas Whirlwind Weekend with family!!!

Christmas Candlelight Service

 
We had our Christmas Candlelight service at FBCT tonight & it was absolutely beautiful!!! After the service, we walked next door to the Methodist Church's live Nativity. We actually went last night, but since they added the camel tonight, we went back again. The camel was a great addition, but boy was he stinky!!! Daniel & Laura Ann can never get enough of the baby goats.....they are so, so cute!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

These are the pics from Stephanie Benzaia of our Santa Session.......so cute & SO MUCH FUN!! My favorites are the ones of them telling Santa what they want for Christmas. Laura Ann played with his beard the whole time she was telling him! So glad Santa was ok with Laura Ann getting all up in his personal space!! :-)

Fear Not!!

Laura Ann sang in the WEE Center Christmas program tonight, Fear Not. This was my most favorite Christmas program yet.....so, so, so cute. Mr. B.J. did most of the narrating with emphasis help from the angel choir, while the 5K class acted out the Christmas Story. The angel choir sang their hearts out and amazingly didn't even come close to falling apart, as they have in years past. They all did such a great job! This was another 'last' for me tonight. I am so going to miss seeing the angel choir every Christmas!!

Christmas Outreach

Daniel & Kyrell Guess who Daniel thought Kyrell looked like? None other that his hero, Trent Richardson. Daniel said leaving, "I am really jealous of Kyrell's dreadlocks!" lol!!!

It was such a blessing to serve some families in need at our church tonight. Dan, Daniel & I got to eat supper with Kyrell & his Mom. After we ate, Daniel & Kyrell went upstairs to the children's room for some fun while Dan & I helped get Kyrell's gifts (members of our church donated gifts from the wish lists of the families who participated) loaded & hidden in his mom's car.

This was Daniel's first time to participate with this & I was a little worried about what he may say, or do, or not do..... It can sometimes be a little awkward, at least for me. It turns out though, that Daniel didn't seem to notice the 'awkwardness' of the situation or the reasons for it. He just saw another little boy, his age, that he had lots in common with. Daniel struck up a conversation the moment he was introduced to Kyrell & then treated him like they were best buds for the rest of the night. He even offered Kyrell his bag of candy that they got as they were leaving the 'party' in the children's room. That's big for Daniel because he would just about give his own life for a piece of candy! Anyway, my worrying was for nothing. I'm the one who learned something tonight from my seven year old......all of the reasons I came up with for the 'awkward' situation were really quite silly. It just comes down to people loving people.....period.

Christmas Dance Recital

Laura Ann's Christmas dance recital was tonight & she did such a great job! She has loved dance this semester and has looked forward to being on stage since her first class in August. They danced to 'Let it Snow'. She and her sweet friend, Amelia, being the oldest in their class, were the stars of the show. She just beamed when the recital was over & was thrilled with the flowers that Dan gave her. She is all excited about doing dance again next semester as long as she doesn't have to wear 'itchy tights'!! :)

Oh, and I almost earned Mom of the Year award tonight..... I thought the recital started at 6:30, so Laura Ann & I got there about 5:45. I still had to dress her and do her hair and make up when we got there. When we walked into her classroom, all the girls were dressed and practicing. I quickly realized my mistake.....it started at 6:00!! I threw her dance outfit on, slung some bobby pins in her hair (too short for a bun), smeared some make up on her face & sent her on her way. She didn't get any practice time....bless her! Thankfully, Dan & Daniel were already at the church for Daniel's basketball practice and Gran, after driving like a maniac (kidding) and running through the parking lot (seriously) made it just in time. Whew!!!

Christmas in the Classroom

Daniel's class party was today & once again, I am amazed by his teacher. Between teaching myself & going to all of Daniel & Laura Ann's class parties over the years, I have been to a bunch of them & they are always wild & chaotic, but not this year. It was never loud & the kids were totally calm. They had blast, just minus the chaos. Mrs. Johnson is so cool & calm and her class is the same way! They came in from P.E. and we served them 'brunch' (I love how she doesn't let them eat until everyone is served, she does this every time they eat in the room). Then it was time for Christmas stations where they decorated cookies, made ornaments, played pin the nose on Rudolph & played musical chairs to Christmas music. It was finally time to open gifts (each student brought a golden book). Mrs. Johnson read a Christmas poem & every time she said the word 'left' or 'right', they were supposed to pass their book that direction. The poem was very long & filled with those two words, which made the game really funny. Each student opened whatever book they were holding at the end of the poem. Before they started opening gifts, she reminded them to be grateful for their gift, even if it was a book they didn't like and to thank the person it was from.......love to hear some of the things we are working on at home being enforced at school, too. So, every single kid opened their book, acted happy and grateful with no complaints......even the girls who got boy themed books & the boys who got girl themed books. She told them that later in the day, she would give them a chance to swap with a friend if they wanted. I'm convinced she has some kind of magical powers! Ha! Almost 2 hours later, the party ended as calmly as it started with a classroom full of happy kids. W.O.W.!!!

Oh, and how cute are their shirts?? I went last week & helped them paint their shirts. The kids all did great.....no one got paint (fabric paint is nonwashable) on their clothes except for ME......got it ALL OVER my favorite jeans!! So now, when you see me wearing those jeans with green smears all over them, you'll know how they got there!

Now This Is Christmas

Well, I am happy so say, that we survived all of the rehearsals and the performance of Now This Is Christmas, by FBCT's adult, children's & preschool choirs plus the Praise Him dance team, was great! This was just the first of Laura Ann's 3 stage appearances this week, so we are just getting warmed up!! :-)

Compton Christmas + Trussville Christmas Parade

Compton Mother/Daughter Christmas Lunch
The annual Mother/Daughter Christmas lunch was scheduled to be at my house this year, but it kind of fell apart yesterday when my Dad was admitted to the hospital in Gulf Shores (he's fine...ended up being inner ear), so my mom didn't get to come. Then, Grandmama, the guest of honor, was also admitted to the hospital yesterday with what appears to be pneumonia. After much discussion with the aunts about whether or not to cancel (the guest list was more than cut in half), we decided to go ahead & have it. It might have been the smallest, quietest Compton gathering in history (only 3 aunts, 3 granddaughters  & 4 great granddaughters), but we had a great time & enjoyed a yummy lunch.  The girls made necklaces & cards for Grandmama & Aunt Debra delivered them to her at the hospital later in the day.

Trussville Christmas Parade

As soon as the lunch was over, we headed into town for the Christmas parade. Jeb tagged along with us & we met other friends there. Not sure exactly what it is about a small town parade that we love so much......oh yes, it is the monster trucks and the endless beauty pageant winners and the Masons on go carts and the list goes on, but I'll stop there. Seriously, it doesn't get any better!!  Let's not forget the absolute biggest reason why we love parades.......the CANDY!!!  I was unorganized and forgot to bring bags for candy, but I managed to find one shopping bag in the car. I told Daniel, Jeb & Laura Ann that we would put all the candy in this bag & then split it between them when we got home. Laura Ann & Jeb thought this was a great idea (bless their second born hearts), but Daniel went nuts because there was no way to tell which candy was 'his'. Anyway, he tried his best to enjoy the parade, but couldn't fully for worrying about 'his' candy getting 'mixed up' with Jeb's and Laura Ann's candy. Seriously??  Anyway, candy, no candy, mixed up candy.......Trussville can put on a parade.  Can't wait for next year!!!

J is for Jesus

Daniel & Laura Ann always enjoy Mrs. Ann's Christmas party at church. The theme this year was 'J is for Jesus'. Mrs. Ann read The Legend of the Candy Cane & they learned what the candy cane means......the red stripe is for the blood of Jesus......the white stripe is for His pureness. Turn it upside down & it makes a staff because Jesus is our Shepherd. While they were at church, Dan & I enjoyed dinner out with friends. And a BIG thanks to Mrs. Ann for including the siblings of her preschoolers tonight!!!!

Fifth & Final

Today was my fifth & final Gingerbread House Party at the WEE Center....sniff, sniff. This is my most favorite event of the whole year and I can't believe that it was my last one. Laura Ann was a baby at my first one when Daniel was in 3K. I'm thinking that I may have to host my own gingerbread house party next year or I may have withdrawals! Anyway, Laura Ann loved it. She informed me on the way to school this morning that she only needed me to spread the icing & she would do the rest by herself and she did. She also ate as much candy and icing as went on the house........which is, of course, the best part about gingerbread houses. She announced when she was finished that it was our best gingerbread house ever and I have to agree!

Mary

Laura Ann absolutely LOVES the Christmas story. She has asked a million questions about it......one of which was, "Did Jesus come out of Mary's leg?". When I answered that one, she decided that she never, ever, ever, ever wants to have a baby. Ha! She dresses up like Mary often & made multiple trips to Bethlehem just today on her stick horse. Funniness aside, it is the sweetest thing ever to see the Christmas story through her eyes. She has fallen in love with Jesus as a baby and I am praying for the day that she falls in love with Him as her Savior.

Silly Elves!

Daniel & Laura Ann have spent most nights sleeping with their elves, but have decided a couple of nights to sprinkle them with the magic dust & here's what happened.....

One morning we woke up & found them in the laundry pile wearing Daniel & Laura Ann's underwear. Jingle joined in our Rosie & Cole's fun too. Since we can't touch Jingle, I wasn't able to fold our laundry that day.....oh, well!

Daniel & Laura Ann in their best attempts to dress like elves.

Another morning we woke up & found them watching our Christmas movies AND enjoying our favorite movie snack....popcorn with m&ms.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Laura Ann's sweet friend, Amelia, hosted a birthday party for Jesus at Pump It Up. Laura Ann had fun running absolutely wild with her friends, and then enjoyed pizza & birthday cake. We read the Happy Birthday Jesus book to be reminded why we celebrate Christmas & sang & blew out a candle for Jesus. For gifts, each child chose something from the Samaritan's purse catalog in honor of Jesus' birthday. Laura Ann chose warm blankets, so our donation went into the blankets sack. It was such a sweet party. Thanks to the Brights for hosting!

A Super Sunday

We started the day off with church......

And then got to meet the elves, Jingle & Jangle at The Spotted Zebra

We picked up Daddy and Gran later & met Sam, Heather & Kate in Calera at the Train Station for our annual ride to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express.


I think this was our 4th year to ride the Polar Express & I am happy to report that it was as magical as ever. Daniel, Laura Ann & Kate had a blast. Between Mr. Jim's Christmas music, treats from the elves, refreshments, Santa & Mrs. Claus......there was not a single minute lacking entertainment. My favorite part of the night was when Daniel decided to give Mr. Jim a little help...... After leading us in lots of Christmas carols, Mr. Jim breaks out with B-I-N-G-O & that just wouldn't do because it isn't Christmas-y. So, Daniel goes up to him & suggests that we sing S-A-N-T-A instead. Mr. Jim thought that was a great idea & asked Daniel to lead us. Yes, Daniel led the entire Polar Express train in 'S-A-N-T-A and Santa was his name-oh.....ho, ho.....ho, ho, ho'. We rode in the car with the live music, but there are speakers in every train car. It was a Polar Express first!!!!!!!! I guess after four years, Daniel decided to spice things up a bit!

A North Pole Breakfast

Sidenote: If you know me well, you know that I am obsessed with pinterest. I realize that I hardly ever do any of the things that I pin, but that doesn't take away the thrill of pinning them. However, this morning, we enjoyed a North Pole breakfast & I got the idea from pinterest, so maybe now my hours spent pinning may be somewhat justified.

A little background on our Elf situation...... Santa was VERY generous last year & sent us, Jingle, an elf who moves to a different spot every night, but you can't touch or he will lose his magic. Daniel and Laura Ann really loved him, but our neighbors & friends had elves that you can touch, so they asked Santa last year if he could send elves that we could touch with Jingle this year. Santa, once again, was VERY generous & sent Cole & Rosie (touchable elves) along with Jingle. They arrived last night, December 1st, and will be here for the month to celebrate Christmas with us. They brought a bucket of Christmas goodies & new Christmas pajamas. We found out in a letter that came with Cole & Rosie that if you sprinkle them at night with the 'magic elf dust' they came with, that they will 'play' & 'be mischievious' while we are sleeping. We are looking forward to a fun month and are excited to see what they have up their sleeves!

It's the MOST WONDERFUL Time of the Year!

With Thanksgiving behind us, we dove into the Christmas season full force this week!

We got out some Christmas toys......Laura Ann's absolute favorite is still the Nativity set. She has begged for a solid week to get this out & I finally found it in the attic on Monday......she spent basicly the whole day rearranging everyone around the stable!

On Tuesday, we picked Daniel up from school & headed to Pine Hill Farms on our annual search of the perfect tree. Then we headed to Cracker Barrel for some hot chocolate & vegetable soup for supper. And I am proud to say that this year's tree didn't create near the drama of last year's tree. Dan got smart and chose a much smaller tree, making getting it in the stand and keeping it in there a cinch!

On Wednesday night, we got out the Polar Express trains & track. We had so much fun building the track & getting the North Pole all set up. They both LOVE the train track still & played with it nonstop for 2 hours after we got it put together.

On Thursday, we got out the Christmas movies (and despite the looks on their faces, they were thrilled) & no surprise that Polar Express was the first choice, quickly followed by Frosty & Rudolph! And no movie can be properly enjoyed without popcorn & M&Ms!

On Friday, Laura Ann & I decorated the tree. She was SO EXCITED the entire day working on the tree and other things around the house. She insisted on helping with it all. And just to be sure we were in the spirit, she brought her cd player downstairs & played all of her Christmas cds for me. Music led to a little dancing with Daddy.....be sure to see the pics in the slideshow. I had to MAKE her save a few ornaments for Daniel to put on when he got home from school. I just knew he was going to be so upset that we worked on the tree without him. Ummmm.....not so much......he did mention that he liked it passing by, but changed right into his football clothes & when I asked him to hang his ornaments, he told Laura Ann she could do it for him. Ha! Anyway, he did hang the Bama ornament & Laura Ann happily did the rest. Later on, when we put up the trees in their rooms, Laura Ann, again was SO EXCITED.......she hung all of her ornaments & then asked if she could take them off & do it again!!. Daniel was excited to see his ornaments, looked through them, then asked Laura Ann if she would decorate his tree!! Such a girl & such a boy!