Women's Christmas Lunch

At church one Sunday Bailey heard an announcement about the Women's Ministry Brunch and asked if we could go together so we made it a Mommy date.

Bailey's first experience with a chocolate foundation - she was in heaven.

We sat at Ms. LaDona's beautiful table. She is our Children's Director and a special friend to Bailey.










Bailey loved being with all the big girls for the morning. I think we'll make our holiday tea a tradition!

Christmas Tree Decorations

We made our pilgrimage to Safeway (I know, that's terrible after having grown up on a Christmas tree lot!) to pick out our tree.

We picked out a BIG one this year!

Parker really gets into decorating for Christmas.



















Fletcher discovered a open spot behind the tree and spent most of our decorating time making a fort in the corner.

Bailey crawling out from the fort.

My son, he loves taking pictures!

During the tree decorating Bailey did a bit more of her own in our bedroom. She used my scarves and made swags and added "I love you" signs. He love language is definitely acts of service and gifts because she really enjoys doing these special things for people.

Parker taking a break to catch up on world news.

It was Parker's turn to put the angel on top.

He and Daddy had a few technical difficulties.

The fort

Tree decorating #2 - the boys decorated their own bedroom tree. Bailey did one too but I just didn't get a photo of her creation.

Whew... all done and ready for Christmas!!!!

Fall Community Group

This fall we had the privilege of hosting a church Small Group with the Shaw family. It needed up working out great as the kids would spend the evening at the Shaw's two blocks away while the adults would meet at our home.

What a wonderful 12weeks of getting to know some new families in the church and spending time with those from our previous group.

The kiddos at the Shaws

The kids in our garage making a Thanksgiving wreath from their handprints.

Games


















At the end of the evening the children presented their wreaths and talked about thanksgiving.

Reading time at the Shaws

Just throw out a few art supplies and this group can make anything!

With the children we usually do a Bible story and have even acted them out. One week they each memorized a commandment then we used our talking Moses to see if we were able to recite them in order. Between four of the families there are twelve children but it's a great bunch and we hope to all grow together as the year continues! 

Bethlehem Village

One of our favorite Christmas events last year was a visit to Bethlehem Village at Sunrise Community Church. This year it was just as wonderful.

We met a man who was looking for Jesus. He was a bit confused by what a camera was (everyone stays in character).

The kids watched the potter sculpt a jar for over 20minutes. It was so interesting!

We met a kind women who was looming.

The fruit and vegetable stand.

We love it when the angels appear about every twenty minutes. They are beautiful!

Fellow seekers











We plan to add Bethlehem Village to our Christmas list for years to come. It's such a great way to get an idea of what life would have looked like during the time of Jesus' birth.

Class Garden Planting

Caleb Greenwood Elementary received a landscape make-over thanks to some awesome parents and the department of Fish & Game.

What was especially cool about the project was that each class took some time to put all the plants in the ground and explore our existing gardens.

Room #2's 1st group getting instructions

Group #2 doing a scavenger hunt in the garden

Planting

Fletcher, Rowan and Luke

Group #2 getting ready to plant

The kids had time to draw about what they learned.











Now whenever we go past the spot where the 1st grade plants are the kids are quick to point out their work. It will be fun to watch as the small plants grow and change the landscape of the campus.