The week before Christmas

We have been getting ready for Christmas this week. Joey and Bailey haven't had any school, so I thought I would share a bit of what we have been up to.

On Sunday, we lit the fourth candle on our Advent wreath. It has been so fun to adopt some of the German traditions and make them our own.

On Monday, we made a Christmas Craft. Erin sent us some kits to make bell wreaths. The kids loved it!

While we were in the dining room making our wreaths, Santa knocked on the window to let us know he was watching. After a few moments to get to our senses, Joey bolted outside to try to catch a glimpse of him. Unfortunately, Santa was already long gone. But it was a fun moment, though TJ would not sleep that night with the shutters open. he he

On Tuesday, the kids had friends over for a PJ party and watched Mr. Popper's Penguins. I don't have pictures of the party because I went out to Nuremberg for dinner and a movie with some girlfriends. Good times for me.

Wednesday was our big wrapping day. I called each kid into my room one by one and locked the door. I then helped each child wrap the presents from him or her. It was actually quite time-consuming, but very fun. In the afternoon, we all played Apples to Apples Junior. Bailey won. As usual.

Thursday ended up being a lazy day. We drove onto post to pick up some packages at the post office, and we rented a movie. It was a wonderful lounging restful day.

I have a picture of another important part of our week and our entire Christmas season. This year, we decided that we needed to try harder to invite the Spirit of Christ into our hearts. To do this, we know we need to serve one another. Each of the kids decorated a jar. We call these jars "Heart Chart Jars." Each time we notice someone doing something nice, we write that nice deed on a paper and put it in the nice person's jar. On Christmas day, we are going to read all of the papers inside the jars.

I have noticed a huge difference in my kids' behavior this season. They strive to help and be kind to one another. They are being more patient. They are more happy. I am calling it my Christmas Miracle.

On Friday, we went to T.J.'s school to hear his class sing some songs. TJ is sitting in the circle with the red striped shirt. All the parents stood around the outside of the circle:

T.J. with his teacher Steffi showing me the present and card he made for me and Erick:

Friday night, we attended our church Christmas party. Santa was there. David was not a fan:

But the other kids had a nice chat with Santa: