Our Nativity

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is Bethlehem, to be taxed, with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered, and she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, becuase there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:4-7)

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:8-11)

Christmas Projects

So it seems that every Christmas I take on too much. So this year I started early, yet there was still too much, so day by day I had to scale back. But I have had fun making things (even though I have had to stay up to 3 am most nights). I decided this year to make new stockings. I was going to figure it all out and do it during the summer, but of course that didn't happen. So I was learning how to knit socks for the first time as I knit our stockings. I chose to do strips in colors that represent the person, that way when more children come I can just pick colors for them and knit it up using the same pattern. :) Below is Michael's stocking, I have Kent's done, and Emma's almost done, just mine to do still.

Michael also worked with me in making ornaments for family and teachers, ect. It was a fun craft project for us to do together.

This year I have also made many gifts, most of which I can't mention here for fear that someone reading will have a christmas surprise spoiled. :) But I did learn to make fabric dolls. I'll post pictures when they are done. I also am learning some thriftyness, I don't know why I didn' do this earlier, but this year if I didn't have the fabric I wanted, I went to good will, and found the colors and fabric that worked from using the sheets, and curtains there. I got tons of fabric for so cheap this way. Just a tip for others who may want to try it. Just look for stains, and wash well before you cut and use it.

Christmas Time

Our new Christmas family picture. Michael was upset that he couldn't wear a short sleeve shirt to church, and we were lucky to catch this one without Emma's thumb in her mouth so you could actually see her face. So here it is. :)

When I have time, and we just have fun taking pictures, they can really be photogetic.

I guess I'm growing up

So just some thoughts, take them or leave them.....

I was just thinking how a year ago, I was worried about me, my community, church, family, but politics was something boreing. I didn't understand all the government stuff people were talking about... and being one who likes to please and keep the peace I would avoid political conversations so as to not upset anyone...... But now I have discovered Fox news network, and Glenn Beck.

Is the world really this bad? Before, I thought that people were good, and that at least the majority of people were trying their best to do what is right. Was I niave? I am not a person that likes to "rock the boat" but really what is going on.... so I know this may not make too much of a difference, but I have taken to writing to my senators about what I, as one they represent, would like them to vote on, etc.

I'm sure most of you are already there, but I just wonder what would happen if all of us did write to our Senators more often about what is happening.... would they listen to the majority of those they represent? I would hope so......

I certainly hope the end of the world is not near.... but some things in the government are really getting me worried, making me double check my food storage, etc. Am I the only one... or are the rest of you getting a bit worried too?

Again, just a thought I wanted to throw out there.

New Pants

Finished new pants for Emma. I think I am done "tweaking" the pattern, except for size increases. Here is adorable Emma showing off her new pants. If anyone is interested, ask and I'll send you the pattern.

Bragging

Ok, so every mom thinks their kids are totally adorable (as they should). So please bear with me as I tattle on just how cute my Michael is. :)

I've been really trying to teach him that Christmas is Christ's birthday. He has really gotten the Jesus's birthday part (although I still think he thinks Christmas is something different). So we talk about gifts we are going to give to Jesus, and that we are going to celebrate with a party (a family Christmas get together). Yet, Michael keeps asking about Jesus's birthday cake (I think I may have to make a birthday cake and make it a part of our traditions). Today, during quiet time, I listened as he scribbled on a piece of paper and dictated out loud what he was writing.

"Dear Jesus,

Happy Birthday. Thank you for being such a great friend. Thank you for our food and our clothes. I love you Jesus.

From Michael"

Then he asked me when Jesus was going to come to His birthday party so he could give him, his present.

What mom wouldn't think this was cute! So Anyways I just had to brag. :)