Oh Christmas Tree

Costco ran out of trees early this year so we headed to Lowes last weekend to pick out the best of them all.

It might be a bit wide, but at least it is significantly taller than last years!  I just love decorating the tree every year.  Going through all of the ornaments the kids have made is the best part. 

Every year they get a huge kick out of them - especially the salt dough snowman that William took a bit out of back in 2013 :)

Serving Others

 Our December den meeting for cub scouts was a service opportunity at the Little Bit Foundation. 

 It was absolutely perfect.  The representative taught the boys a bit about what the organization does and they were able to label books that will be delivered to kids in January. 

It was the perfect opportunity for some hands on volunteer work and the kids loved it.  I hope they seek opportunities to help others as they grow. 

Triple the Pride

These three had quite the day on Thursday! 

 Jack was named a Henry Hero at school - his pride could not be contained.  He read me his certificate 82 times and wore his special medal all day.

William performed in his schools production of Oklahoma.  He got to sing two songs and did an amazing job!  He was so excited all week.  He has also decided that he wants to be a professional actor and is asking about acting camps for the summer.

Max had his very first band concert.  He plays the clarinet and the progress he has made is amazing!  Brian also played the clarinet as a kid and he says that Max is already a better clarinet player in three months than he was in all three years of middle school.

I just love these boys to pieces.  It is such an honor to watch them grow!

Ms. Nancy's Mice

 We have the sweetest older lady that lives next door to us.  She raised seven kids in her house! 

When I was walking Duke yesterday morning she told me to stop by on my way home.  She made these adorable little mice treats for the boys - complete with a piece of cheese :)

The boys were pretty impressed with Ms. Nancy's mice and enjoyed a special little snack before school. 

Cutest Little Gingerbread House

Thanks to Aunt Carm and Uncle Mike the boys had a fun activity last night - their annual gingerbread house!  They worked so well together making sure that the final product was cute as could be.

Wax Paper Snowflakes

 7am this morning - after finding Elphie - this guy was busy making wax paper snowflakes.  It is a huge mess, but his pride at his completed snow flakes makes it worthwhile.

Christmas Traditions - Lights and Cards

 Our Christmas Traditions chart is back!  So far we have put out the nativity, hung the stockings, put up the outdoor lights, had hot cocoa while reading Christmas books, and made a Christmas tree to hang our cards.

I have to say the outdoor lights didn't go too well.  There was lots of fighting, a finger pinched in the ladder, and a meltdown at the end - by mom and two boys.  Some things go more smoothly than others and we all cooled down and went to bed happy.  And the lights are on the house.

The Christmsas card hanger craft was great!  The boys had fun creating a tree out of string.  They loved the bells on the corners and the cute little clothespins. 

Fingers crossed todays shrinky dink style craft goes as smoothly!