Day 14-21

Day 14: Our Advent Wreath. We had a very plain silver candle holder holding our candles. As we have been learning more about the Advent wreath, Reese pointed out that the original Advent wreaths had "boughs of evergreen". It just so happened that pine wreaths are on sale right now seeing as its so close to Christmas so we bought some fresh pine to put around our candles. This is not to imply that you can't have a simple advent wreath. I love fresh pine though, and loved that the kids were getting into putting our Advent wreath together. Since my family travels to us for Christmas Eve and we live so far out of town, we have decided to do our own Christmas program with my kids and nephews. This year ours will center around the Advent Wreath and what it means. My kids have been learning the meaning of the candles, and when to light each one. We light them every night at dinner.

This is my brother and I having dinner out last week. It is a tradition for us to go Christmas shopping together. I help him shop for his wife. We love the chance to hang out together---my brother is one of my "bestest" friends. He is a man of integrity who is raising two of the finest boys I have ever had the pleasure to be around. He has a serious side--he stands up for what he believes. He is witty beyond belief though, and can make me belly laugh until my sides hurt. My prayer is that my kids one day have the relationship my brother and I do.

This picture tickles me! This is Emma's expression when she saw Santa and Mrs. Claus come into her school for her school party this week. Priceless!

If anyone is looking for Fancy Nancy, never fear. She lives at my house!! Oh . . .my Emma. She does love her sparkle. She gets it honest =). We have been reading Fancy Nancy at bedtime and I asked if she know of anyone that loves "sparkly" things. She raised her hand and said, "Me, Mama!!"

My mom and I took the opportunity to see a Christmas Musical/Comedy Show locally. We had the best time! The day started out going to see my Gran in the nursing home which is depressing. Oh, how I adore that woman. It breaks my heart to see how Alzheimers has ravaged her mind. Just a few short years ago she was the fire engine red-haired Granny who drove a red sportscar, travelled, played bridge and golf, and loved to laugh out loud every chance she got. We were very close, and probably the hardest thing about every Christmas is not being with her.

Then Mom and I went to dinner and to the Christmas program. The music was great and we shared some great laughs as well. I love hangin' with my Mama!

One of these cute little dancing reindeer is my very own little ballerina. Emma had her first dance recital this past weekend. She was so excited and we were so proud of her. Grandma and Pops came to watch her. She kept smiling and waving to them. She was so happy they came.

While I was away for the day, Marty made a gingerbread house with the kids. I love it that he can initiate these kind of activities with the kids. They enjoyed doing this with him but mostly just enjoyed his undivided attention I'm sure.

Last but not least, Reese lost his first tooth Tuesday night. If you see Reese ask him how he managed to pull it out---its quite the story! All of his buddies have already lost a tooth, so he was very excited to become a member of the "toothless club" now!