Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Ready for Santa

Baking Cookies for Santa

     On Christmas Eve morning, we headed over to Aunt Calli's for to bake cookies for Santa and the Putman family Christmas dinner. This is the first year we have baked together with Calli's girls and Kyle. JJ had a great time. Towards the end, J started licking the flour off the cookie cutters. She was a little unhappy when she was sent to clean up as the boys finished up. Kyle was not interested in the cookie cutting part, so Uncle Josh rolled and cut cookies for him and CJ. In the middle of the baking, I ran up the street to Walgreens to pick up some allergy medicine for Grandpa. When I walked in three different employees tried to direct me to the baking aisle. I couldn't figure out why until I got back in the car and realized I was still wearing my apron as I buckled my seatbelt. We also got to visit with Grandpa for a bit.

A Few Random Things

Logan found this bear at Kroger on one of our shopping trips.

We celebrated Aunt Sarah, Uncle Charlie, and their soon to be arriving bundle of joy.

We watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas while enjoying our Grinch brownies and punch.

I received my first apple ever in my eleven year teaching career! This seriously made me so very happy!

Lucas was obsessed with this Target dog display we found while finishing up his Christmas shopping.

This year's Christmas Eve breakfast was chocolate chip candy cane pancakes.

This was my first year to set a table at the Cindy Tamplin tea back in November. My theme was our Elf on the Shelf breakfast Buddy brings upon his arrival each year. This year's breakfast was a mini waffle and hot chocolate bar.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Card 2015

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our 

freedomwith the blood of His Son [Jesus] and forgave our sins.

Ephesians 1:7 NLT

Sometimes They Catch the Good Things

  So very often I feel like my boys catch the things I don't want them to-my negative attitude, sharp tone, harsh words. I cringe when I hear and see these things because I know exactly where they got those things-me. But occasionally they catch something you want them too. 

     One morning last week, I had Logan read the Scripture Buddy brought and pray for us as I packed lunches. He prayed that he would give all his anxieties about his final that day to God because He cares for him. (1 Peter 5:7) Then he prayed that we would do our best to live for Him and that He would work all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28). I often pray Scripture over the boys, but I have never specifically told them to or practiced with them how to do that. When I asked Logan where he learned how to pray Scripture, he told me he hears me do it. I'm just thankful that in the midst of the negative things they pick up from me, they actually catch some good things too. 

Adventure to Santa

     Yesterday the boys and I got up bright and early to visit Santa at the mall. We had a 9:00am appointment. Even though I didn't like getting out of the house that early, I'm glad we did. There was no wait, no hassle, and people were just coming into the mall as we leaving.

     I personally don't think of Shrek when I think of Christmas, but this was our second year to do the Adventure to Santa and both boys really enjoy it.

     First the boys had to play a sleigh ride game to learn how to fly the sleigh and get their pilot's license.

     Then we went on a sleigh ride with the Shrek characters to the North Pole. Lucas got really excited during this part! When we arrived at Customs at the North Pole, the boys built their own gingerbread cookie on a game before seeing Santa.

Finally we went in to visit Santa. It was great because we were in a room by ourselves with Santa and the photographer. There were no distractions. 

     Logan asked for a hamster. They read The World According to Humphrey in class this semester, and he's been asking for a hamster ever since. 

     Lucas asked Santa for an art desk. He's really into drawing and coloring and crafting. 

Merry Christmas from Santa & the Shaw Boys!!!