Christmas Day

Christmas morning started at 6:45 when Jackson climbed in our bed. He was excited and wanted to open presents right away. 

We made him wait for presents until Lincoln got up at 7:30. He was content to look through his stocking and eat a few goodies. 

Daddy read the Christmas story and then we opened presents. Jackson is the best to give anything to. He reaction to presents is priceless. He said multiple times, "I've wanted this for years and years!"

Lincoln was pretty content with just the wrapping paper! Jackson made sure he was right there to help Lincoln do it right.:)

After presents we ate breakfast and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. We continued the tradition of monkey bread and added an egg casserole to balance out all the sugar.

Jackson got Daddy the Duck Commander Hunting game. It was all his idea! Smart boy! They spent some time on Christmas hunting ducks, frogs, and beavers.

Christmas morning pic

It was a great day celebrating all the Savior has done for us and hanging out with the two best gifts money can't buy: 

#1

#2

 “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. " Luke 2:10-11

Christmas Eve

Brian had to work during the day on Christmas Eve. The boys and I had a lazy morning at home. 

Jackson and I did some snow painting. He loves to create!

We enjoyed the weather outside and spent some time walking and playing soccer.

We got ready for the Christmas Eve church service.

First Christmas with the four of us!

After a great message on JOY, we came home and Jackson opened up his pajamas. He was so disappointed when he opened up his present and it was a box of granola bars. He really thought that was what it was! We ate pizza and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Then Jackson left Santa cookies, milk, and some candy and sprinkled out his Reindeer food.

It was my turn to lay with Jackson at bedtime. He was so excited to go to bed. Normally he wants me to rub his back and talk to him, but not this night. He kept saying, "I'm trying to go to sleep. Let me sleep Mom, please!"

I laid out the presents and stuffed the stockings and then went to bed just as excited as Jackson.

Such a fun day of family and traditions!

Merry Christmas!

I love the Christmas story. It IS the best story in all of history!! Without it life is impossible and worthless, but God sent His son and because of that the battle has been won. He is love and because of Him we are not consumed. Let us worship him today (and everyday)!

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psalm 95:6

More Holiday Spirit

We have been busy enjoying this holiday season as a family. Jackson's excitement is contagious!

We hosted our Sunday school Christmas Party again this year.

 Girls vs Boys in Christmas lights scavenger hunt; it was a lot of fun!

It is better to give than receive!  

 Christmas baking and delivering goodies to our neighbors and teachers. 

 I love seeing FOUR stocking hung on the fireplace. Lincoln is our best gift this year!

 Some Christmas art

 Who doesn't love red and green pancakes?

Just some of my gifts from my students. They were so good to me!

Enjoying the Crazy Christmas Show in their pajamas!

 Lots of puppets, singing, and the message of Jesus

Santa Cow

Only three more links left on our Christmas chain!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Santa's Wonderland

Over the hills and through the woods to Santa's Wonderland we went!

We left right after school Monday night. Jackson was SO excited on the way there and being super sweet. It was packed by the time we got there.

We ran into some friends from church and hung out with them for the night. First up was the hayride through the lights. 

 Jackson sat up front with Preston and Alexis. They oohed and aahed and sang Christmas songs the whole time. Lincoln wasn't sure what to think about all the lights. 

They blow out fake snow, and Jackson loved jumping around under it.

By the time the hayride was over, we really only had time for a snack before we left. Jackson was content with some hot cocca and funnel cake.

I wish it wasn't so busy, but regardless of the crowds we enjoyed the lights and had fun together!

Christmas Program

Last week, Jackson had his Christmas Program for school. He did a great job. He knew every word and motion and was right on the mark with each one. He was also so serious up there while singing, except on one part of Santa Clause is coming to town. 

When he sang "he sees you when your sleeping" he made the cutest face. He was cracking me up!!

 So proud of my boy

 Jackson and his friend

Lincoln was supposed to be in the program too. He was sound asleep when we got there, and I wasn't going to wake him since he doesn't nap at school. 

But, he would have been the cutest Rudolph!

Seven Months of Lincoln

Lincoln has accomplished many things this last month!

 He weighs about 18 1/2 pounds and around 28 inches long. He is now wearing all 9-12 months clothes and still size 3 diapers.

 He is now eating 3 meals and drinking 6 bottles a day. He weaned himself from nursing, but I am still pumping 4 times a day. He has tried oatmeal cereal, peas, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, acorn and butternut squash, prunes, bananas, peaches, pears, and applesauce. His favorite has to squash and pears. He is a great eater like his big brother!!

 He is sleeping from around 8 at night until 5 in the morning. He does not nap well at school, maybe 45 minutes a day. At home he takes 2 longer naps and a shorter one each day.

 He is now sitting up independently, pushing himself up, scooting himself forward to get items he wants, and has 2 teeth on the bottom. The top teeth are making there way in now. He is "talking" up a storm and constantly smiling. He loves bath time, especially when he gets in the tub with Jackson.

Lincoln,
You are seriously the sweetest baby! You are so smiley and happy most of the time. I hope you never lose that joy. Christmas time is even more fun with both your brother and you. He loves you so much and is making sure we don't forget to buy you some toys:) Jackson looks for you first thing every morning and loves to play with you. I pray that you two will be best friends. Thank you for bringing so much joy and love to our lives. I love watching you grow and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.
Love, Mommy

School Pictures

The boys had their pictures taken at school. 

I was still am dying over the cuteness of them; especially Lincoln!

Jackson had a few other poses to choose from too, but I went with the classic school pose.

I can't wait to get these in a frame and hung!

Gingerbread House

We made one big Gingerbread House together. 

Jackson always has a blast during this activity!

After a quick trip to Target for graham crackers, frosting, and some candy we were ready to build. Brian constructed the house, and Jackson and I did the decorating (and eating)! Our house turned out pretty cute and held up well.

All while we were making the house Jackson would say things like, "So awesome", "Great idea, Mom", "Look at my pattern", "This is so neat." Love when he is so into something and thinks it is fun!

Lincoln was hanging out close by, sitting up like a big boy.

Santa

We took the boys to see Santa this weekend. We always go to Bass Pro Shop because have a real looking Santa, a nice backdrop, and the main reason is they give you one picture for free!

Jackson was super shy. He just stood there and smiled in awe. I think Lincoln was pretty taken by the jolly fellow too!

And... best part of the night was when we were leaving the mall and Jackson said, "I wish we could have stay until 8 o'clock and watch him fly home." Brian and I were trying to hold in our laughter in the front. LOVE my sweet boy!

The Holiday Spirit

We have been having lots of fun with our Advent calendar. It is not pre-planned, but more spur of the moment tying Jesus to some fun Christmas activities. Jackson is LOVING it and that is all that matters!

Jesus is the LIGHT of the world!

We decorated the house and tree. Jackson said he was Daddy's Christmas helper.

He chose Turbo the snail as his ornament for this year despite my pleas for something else:)

]

We also went to the Parade of Lights with some friends. 

It was a cold night in the stable the night of Jesus' birth.

We had hot cocca to warm up and read a Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph traveled a LONG way to Bethlehem.

We made a LONG chain to count down the days to Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

We read the Candy Cane Story, ate candy canes, and made a candy cane.

 Jesus gives us many gifts. What gift can we give him?

Jackson opened a gift. We had a pizza and movie night by the fire.

Christmas is so much fun with kids! I love seeing the excitement in Jackson's eyes and watching him learn more about the real reason we celebrate and giving to others. We still several more fun activities planned, I can't wait!