Day 6

Big idea:
It was time for them to register for the census.

Activity: Make Brownie snacks.  This idea was inspired by a pinterest idea.  I saw some brownie tree pops.  I changed it up a little and it was fn because the boys got to do more of the making, not just decorating.  I poured the brownie batter into 2 pans instead of one so that they were thinner.  Then we let the boys pick whatever christmas cookie cutter they wanted to make their own.  Then we decorated.  It was a success!  And delicious!



She was there too :)



We needed baths afterwards and in true third child form...this is her first bath picture and she is almost 15 weeks old!!  She's gonna have neglect issues!!

Look at that sweet bunny!

Day 5

Big idea: Joseph took care of Mary while she was pregnant

Activities: tell the Christmas story with our nativity scene

And we went and delivered some clothes to a place called family services. It was so fun explaining to the boys that we are supposed to help take care of others because that's one way we can show God we love him. The best is to hear them repeat that to Nate. PRECIOUS!!!

Day 4

Big Idea: That God had already told us that he would send His son this way.
Activity: Christmas card pictures!  You can't see the final result...but I will let you in on what it's like to take a picture on a self timer with 4, I mean 3, kids :)

Nate's face kind of says it all!

again?!

here are a few cute shots

The Beans...he has a great smile.  And he was promised candy.  No I am not above that.

Yes, Caroline, this is what you are stuck with!

Day 3

The big idea: The angel told Mary her son would save us from our sins.
Activity: Go to see the Christmas Parade...so much fun!
So much fun that when we got home, Owen came up to me and said "mommy thank
You for taking me to the harade!" (that isn't a typo...that's how he says parade)
We have a video that I'll try to post tomorrow!

Whose impressed at how we are keeping up!?!?!!?

Day 2

Big idea: an angel came to Joseph to tell him about the baby.

Activity: watch Santa buddies... More fun for them than us!!!

Day one

The "big idea" was that God made it possible for Mary to have a baby.
Our activity was making gingerbread men.
Here's the pics:

Thanks for the encouragement!

My last minute DIY advent

So I have been wanting to do an advent calendar this year and with my pinterest app on my phone I have been seeing all kinds of cute ones for lots of inspiration.  But of course, I am me, I am not very crafty and known for great ideas and little follow through.  So of course since most Advents start on December 1st I put my thoughts together yesterday...which left me with today to make the calendar. 

However, I am very happy with my last minute project.  I am hoping to do a post a day this month to show all of the fun things we do.  Again though, great ideas...little follow through...so we will see!!!



Here is where I started: I got this cute scrapbook paper from Walmart for $.97 and it had 7 pages in it...NOT BAD!





Then I found this cute heart shaped envelope tutorial on pinterest and so I cut out some hearts and made emvelopes:





Here is the envelope and m&ms to put inside



Inside each I wrote a verse that we would read as a family that night and two m&m's and the activity we would be doing for that day.  I found the verse of of my friend Lindsay's advent blog found at rubiesandrewards.com



I then hung them on a ribbon with clothespins on our back doors



Here's a shot of both!

Not bad for not being crafty and doing it last minute!  We'll see how I like it once we do it.  Changes might come...