Advent Week 2

Another great week of Christmas time! Reading our Advent board book every evening, magic in the little white boxes hanging from the mantle, loads of precious family time, and keeping up with our Truth in the Tinsel crafts/ornaments each day. No doubt this has been a busy season for our family, but very meaningful and joyous too!

Day 8
Advent Activity: Christmas parade and serving chili to the community- an AWESOME event! Our small church body fed 300 people! God is good and bellies were full :-) And I love having Grace Louise involved in every opportunity to serve, never too young to be the hands and feet of Christ!
Truth in the Tinsel ornament: sun, Jesus is the called the Rising Sun

Jimmy walked beside our float handing out tickets to the chili event, so the kiddos and I watched solo. Some youngsters generously gave up their front row seats to us so we were up close and personal to all the sights and sounds of the parade. Jamesy lounged cozily in the stroller and didn't seem to be bothered a bit by the sirens.

Day 9

Advent Activity: Learn a new Christmas song and light our candle reminding us of the Peace only Jesus can bring!

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: Joseph, a man who obeyed God

Day 10

Advent Activity: Help Lala decorate her Christmas tree

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: pillow, representing Joseph's dream

Day 11

Advent Activity: Make a gingerbread house with BeBe and Aunt Lindsey

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: Celebrating the name of Jesus

I know this picture looks cruel, but it makes me laugh every time I see it! She kept stealing candy from her gingerbread house so here she is weeping over its new home (on top of the refrigerator, out of her reach). Life is hard.

Day 12

Advent Activity: Build a fire and roast marshmallows as a family

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: "I Spy" Mary and Joseph ornament, learning about the census

These pics aren't great quality because I snapped them at night with my iphone. Grace Louise has shown more interest in holding and caring for her baby brother recently (even though he's clearly half her size!) She wanted to hold him in her camping chair by the fire... he just goes right along with our silly plans! Like most kids (and adults) they were enamored by the flames and could watch for hours.

Day 13

Advent Activity: Watch a special Christmas movie-- Veggie Tales: It's A Meaningful Life-- and have a Christmas cookie treat!

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: Bethlehem

Day 14

Advent Activity: Journey to Bethlehem program at High Point- A church in our community put on a live Nativity scene and Bethlehem town/culture. This event was perfect for bringing the story of Jesus' birth to life for Grace Louise... paying taxes to Ceasar, being counted in the census, experiencing the sounds, sights, and tastes of the times, and even seeing live animals, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus!

Truth in the Tinsel ornament: stable

Enjoying hot chocolate while waiting for our group to tour Journey to Bethlehem.