Day 5 of our Christmas Story

Day 5 we talked about John the Baptist. The kids were wondering why his birth was in the Christmas story. We finally found out. John was to prepare the people for who was about to come....... Jesus!! We also looked back and took some time this day to talk about the things we learned so far. Then we spent the rest of our time reviewing the songs we've been learning. I will take some videos of our songs later in December. We did not have much time so we didn't do much on day 5. However I think it was good to review with them what we learned and what it means to us.

Days 2, 3 and 4 of the Christmas Story

Day 2:  Luke 1:5-25 We talked about Gabriel coming to tell Zachariah that Elizabeth his wife would have a baby. They were well along in years but with God's help they would become parents to John the baptist. We also talked about Zachariah lack of faith and how he was made to be unable to speak until the baby was born because of it.

We made the little angels that are on top of the stable on day 2.

 

Day 3: Luke 1:26-38 We learned that the same angel who appeared before Zachariah also appeared to Mary. Gabriel told Mary she would have God's son and he was to be called Jesus.

We added our angel (which doesn't actually go with the nativity set but well things happen when you have kids lol) and we added Mary. The craft pictured below also goes with day though we did not do the craft until day 4. The angels have lights inside so they will glow. I love this craft. It turned out better than I thought it would.

 

 Day4: Luke 1:39-56 This day was all about Mary traveling to visit Elizabeth to share her good news and joy. When Elizabeth saw Mary the baby in Elizabeth's tummy leapt for joy. We are also joyful that Jesus was sent to earth so for today's activity we sang some songs.

 

The kids seems to learning a few things but mostly having fun. I am not sure how much they will actually remember of the story but I know they will remember the time we spent doing the activities together.

 

 



Day 1 of the Christmas Story.

 

I can not now remember what the comment was that little Albert made but basically he said that Christmas was all about the gifts. It hit me then that I put WAY to much into the gifts of Christmas morning. My kids only thought of Jesus birthday after the gifts they were getting. That was all wrong. We no longer buy our children lots of gifts. Santa does come but he gives 1 gift only to each child. Then Albert and I give each child a few things. We do not buy a lot. At first I was a bit worried my kids would be upset they didn't get more. But you know they weren't. Our gifts are thoughtful and well planned for each child.

Last year was really the first year we really changed how we did Christmas. Our focus as a family is finally where it should be. The gift we focus on is the gift given by God to us. We aren't celebrating 'get presents day' as Albert once called it. We are celebrating the birth of a very special baby. Jesus for us comes first!

Each day in December leading up to the 25th we do an activity, learn a bible verse, hear a story, sing a song or a combination of things that teach the Christmas story. Today we started our Christmas story.

 

Today we talked about how the coming of Jesus was foretold and how the people were waiting for the blessed day to come. So just like them we wait for the special day when we celebrate the birth of God's son and his most precious gift to us Jesus Christ!! Our nativity is quite empty right now but it we will fill up as the days go by. Today we prepared our stable. We also placed a gift bag there as a symbol of the coming of a very precious gift from God. Sarah packaged our baby Jesus nativity piece so nicely in the gift bag. On Christmas day this will be the first gift we open.

 

Albert's 10th Birthday

Albert's Birthday started out on Saturday. Part of his present was a trip to Busch Gardens. He was so excited to go. Then on Sunday we had a party for him. I think the weekend turned out pretty good. I didn't take many pictures at Busch Gardens. I kept forgetting.

 

 Albert asked for worm cupcakes for his birthday. So that's what he got.

 My little Buddy isn't so little anymore. It is hard to believe he is double digits the big 1-0 !

 This was his favorite card. It's been a few days now since his birthday and he still plays with it. He reads it out loud to someone and he laughs and laughs and whoever he reads it to laughs right along with him. :)

Andrew's 5th Birthday!

It is hard to believe my baby is 5 already! Where does the time go?

 

Andrew opening up his birthday gift.

 He is excited! Just an FYI those little nerf bullets hurt. They look all soft and harmless but I they kind of hurt when they hit you.

 He loved this card!

 Pop goes spiderman or wait was bam or umm...... I can't remember what he was saying now. But he played with it for quite some time.

 Finally moving on. He wasn't to excited about the stuff in the cards but he did enjoy the cards he got. lol I am sure that will change when he learns a bit better that the stuff called money actually buys him stuff.

 :) Silly boy!

 "Look Mom it's to color on!"

 Blue chocolate cake. It was super yummy!

 Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Andrew Happy Birthday to you!!

 :) He's so sweet! My baby boy is 5!

 He's 'cheesing' at Sarah who is taking his picture. I love that face!

 Sarah showing Albert the picture she took. Albert's not happy she is taking pictures with his camera.

 Albert taking a picture of me taking a picture of him taking a picture of me.

 Yummmmm Cake!!!!

 Daddy did a good job making his cake!

 :) Silly boy! Not sure what was up with putting stuff on his forehead. Earlier a sticker and now cake. He's silly.

 My blue boy! I just love that little guy!

 Carolyn enjoying her cake and ice cream.