The Granmother Gifts

We made stepping stones as gifts for our grandmother's today. It was a beautiful warm 70 degrees and we enjoyed playing on our playset again. It's only been 5 months....

Giving and Christmas Parties

Today we gave Christmas presents to the kids teachers. We gave them, what else but, Christmas Bread! It was also Cavett's school party which I helped with. The first picture is Cavett with his favorite girlfriend, Bella. In the second are his teachers and he is holding up the star ornament we made.

While Cavett was at school, Kendrick and I enjoyed making a batch of Congo Bars.

It's Not About the Getting

We are continuing our Advent activities even while on the road. Our message today was that it is not about the receiving and that it is more fun to give. Advent Day #4 told us to "shop for a toy to give to a needy child." Being in Grand Saline limits us, but there is one favorite shopping experience that we treasure while here--the Dollar Store. Many favorites can be found here. Cavett picked out a Hot Wheels Set. Kendrick chose an electric guitar. We aren't sure where we will donate them just yet, but we will find some place.

The Present Game

Today's Advent activity was the "Present Game," an idea from Family Fun magazine. Not knowing what the game was, the boys didn't show much excitement, even with the word "present" in the title. After arriving at Grandmama's house this afternoon, I pulled out 2 Christmas gift bags. Eyes lit up.

Here are the instructions: Everyone gets a bag and can fill it with any object in the house. You then give it to another person. The point is to learn gratitude. When receiving a gift, immediately you say "thank you." After opening it, you say thank you again and add a note of appreciation on how you would use the gift or why it is such a great gift. It can get hard when you receive a spoon or maybe one spare sock.

Cavett was first. He gave me keys. I told him thank you and how helpful it would be to have an extra set for when I misplace my own set. Kendrick then gave Cavett an apple. Cavett got it and said, "thank you and I would love to eat it now." On another round, they gave each other the same gift, a bowling pin.

It was short lived but, maybe they at least got the thank you part.

What Have I Been Doing?

I know, this year is not starting out with great blogs. I promise it will get better.

In the meantime, I'm sure you are asking "What has she been doing?"

Well, here ya go! We've been preparing for Cavett's birthday party. This week has been consumed with baking 2 cakes and icing, as well as wrapping presents. We also have a new tradition of "hiding" presents. They are just out of reach enough to be out of constant eyesight, but a reminder of what fun is to come. His party is Saturday and it looks like we will have my brother, future sister-in-law, sister and one cousin as well as one grandmother! Hurray!!!

The Letter to Santa

We have come to some sort of knowledge about Santa Claus and that he brings toys at Christmas. For a while now, every time Cavett sees a bike, he asks for one. I keep telling him that maybe he'd get one for Christmas or for his birthday a month later.

Today we decided that a letter may be in order. We retrieved our Christmas stamps and set out to write a letter to Santa. Cavett wrote the opening and signed his name. He also dictated to me with a bit of some prompting (What were some of the helpful things you have been doing this year? How have you been kind?) So, the letter goes....

Dear Santa,

I've been very good this year. I've played nice with my brother. I've done my chores-made my bed, picked up my toys, fed the dogs and obeyed mommy and daddy.

Can I have a bicycle, please? (Yes, he really said please.) I'd like to ride with my family and my neighbor Jeffrey.

I would also like the game of checkers. Maybe some real, crashing cymbals, too.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Cavett

Seriously, "real, crashing cymbals?" He'll have to talk to Uncle Jonny about that.