Happy Birthday Jesus Parties!

Tuesday December 19th was a busy day! I started by watching over 500 children receive more food, clothing and toys than their little arms could hold. This is always one of my favorite days of the school year and a blessing to watch a lot of hard work culminate with sweet smiles on little faces. I was overwhelmed with the community support we received this year.

Soon after this excitement was over, I headed over to Caleb's school Christmas party. We decorated cookies, 

made door hangers together, 

and made a batch of reindeer food. 

I love to watch how Caleb interacts with his friends at school,  sits with his friends praying together before eating and allowing him to show me his favorite things to do while there (computers and driving the cars...his Daddy's child? Hmmm?).

Emma Katherine fits right in every time she goes. She loves to sit in this chair and play with the baby dolls.

We are so thankful for Ms. Tarsy who loves on and and has taught Caleb so much. He didn't want to leave until she had gotten to open her present.

After the party, I took 70 kids to the Senior center for lunch and to play beanbag baseball with the senior adults. They beat us and we're looking forward to a rematch. I was shocked with the amount of students who were able to go because this was an incentive to meet their reading goals. I hope they always highly value spending time with others and was a reminder for me as well. 
That afternoon Caleb joined me at school for our annual sing-a-long. He got a little shy going to the different classrooms delivering gifts with so many people but perked right up when he saw his friend Kaylee Beth was there. Those two had a great time and loved the music.

That evening we actually went with Daddy to SMA because this time it was for a CD release party of their Christmas concert. Matt designed the CD cover art has worked long hours mixing, remixing, and mixing some more. This was the first time I've really listened to his work. Hearing the before and after he worked his magic was amazing. It all sounds amazing and everyone was excited to hear the final product he produced. You can hear it here.  He would never tout his horn but his proud wife sure will!

It was a nonstop day of celebrating! As Caleb said, "Jesus has a big birthday. He has two ones!" (meaning many) He likes to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus all the time and it is such a great opportunity to talk about how all of these special gifts, parties, goodies, and excitement is because of Him.

A Star is Born

Caleb's Christmas program at church was the sweetest thing ever. He had been working on his songs Clippity Clop, Here we go to Bethlehem and Born in Bethlehem for several weeks. In fact I went to choir one night just to make sure I knew the words and tune. He knew all the words and motions.

I'm not sure how my little guy is old enough for choir performances, but I enjoyed every moment and laughed so hard I cried. At least that's the reasoning I'm giving for the tears down my face and I'm sticking to my story.

My two little Christmas cuties all dressed up at church!

Simply Presh! 

He was so excited and really got into it. After they were finished he patted the backs of his friends on either side and took a bow. Throughout the Christmas season I've heard him singing his songs as he plays with his nativity scene and they have helped him learn about the Christmas story. He knows exactly where Jesus was born...Bef-Wa-Ham!

A week ago Friday Caleb had his first school performance. He was such a cute toy soldier and did his part perfectly. Afterwards he was eager to climb into the sleigh on the stage. 

This picture captures the fun these two really have with each other. Emma Katherine adores Caleb and he loves to make her laugh!

Emma Katherine was quite funny before the show even began.

Caleb talks nonstop about his teacher. She has helped him learn so much this year.

At the end of the night, Emma Katherine finally took the stage...something she had been trying to do all night.

Garden Express

Last weekend while Grandma was here we went to the Garden Express at the Botanical Gardens. Again Caleb remembered from last year how fun this was. 

Caleb was happy to have a conversation with Santa about the trains, but Emma Katherine was not so excited to see him and sitting in his lap wasn't an option. 

 

Abby joined us for the fun watching trains and seeing Santa, but agreed with Emma not wanting anything to do with him. 

Caleb could have sat and watched the trains all day long.
The girls, on the other hand, were eager to be out in the sunshine. 

We were silly in the grass and explored the gardens. 

The Reading Train is always a hit.

The girls liked the covered bridge, but the crawling inside the tree to hear their screaming echos was definitely the favorite.

We ended the day attending the SMA Christmas concert in Bentonville. The concert was really fantastic and a rare treat for me to enjoy dinner beforehand without little voices while they had a blast at home. Of course this mamarazzi doesn't think to take a picture when kiddos aren't around.