Busy Sunday at Church

Last Sunday was a busy day at church!  I sang in the multigenerational choir.  The idea was to have Braden join me.  He loves to sing and has a really good voice.  He came to one practice but it was too difficult without him being able to read the words.  We'll shoot to have him join me next year.  I haven't sang in forever and it felt good to loosen up those vocal chords and let it rip!  :)

There was no religious education because the sermon was actually a play put on by the kids depicting the nativity.  Braden kept himself busy both watching the play and drawing in his sketch pad.

Olivia participated in the play (Braden didn't want to).  She was a little lamb.  You can see her in her green shirt with pink pants right in the front row.

Isn't she cute!!!  It was really nice to have them part of the service.  I am glad that we don't have to do it every week. I love that it is a time for Steve and I both to sit together quietly and also for the time to self-reflect.  It was nice to concentrate on them though and have them be a part of our church community. 

Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary

Last Saturday we traveled up to Shalom Wlidlife Sanctuary in West Bend.  It was a little drive but definitely worth it!  We bundled ourselves from head to toe and hopped aboard a covered wagon.  Santa was our host and what a host he was!  We sang songs, laughed, shouted, "Ho Ho Ho," and "He He He," and gathered goodies along the way. 

We met a number of families there,

and snuggled under blankets to keep warm!  

The animals were fantastic!  We saw a bobcat, albino deer, horses, skunk and many others.  Santa had stories to tell us about each animal.  It was heartwarming.

Norah was a really good girl. She was probably colder than she has ever been but stuck it out none the less and smiled for most of the time.  She did fuss a bit but a candy cane from Santa quickly changed her mood. :)  

I love traditions and I think we've found another to add to our holiday list!

Frosty the Snowman

This was how Olivia and I spent Norah's nap time this morning!  Oh and a little shoveling as well. :)

Picky Popsicle

This is my picky popsicle.  In most facets of life she is uber flexible but NOT when it comes to food.  At least not lately.

When I give her puffs, crackers, cheese, or pureed fruit she is happy as a lark.

Those eyes are amazing!

This however is the face I get if I even try to get diced peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, etc.

Fa La La La La

Both kids had Christmas concerts this week!  We've been singing carols around the house and in the holiday spirit. 

Olivia's was first.  There is nothing quite like a preschool concert. The parents are as excited as the kids, no one has any inhibitions and both adults and children alike will stand up and wave fanatically at their family members.  Olivia found us right away and continued to smile and wave throughout the whole concert.

The Normans sat with us and Braden was in heaven.  Lele and he drew and wrote love notes to each other the whole time. :)

This is dark and fuzzy - I don't have the best camera... YET!  You can see Olivia's cute red dress and curly pony tails.  

This is she and her best bud Ava afterwards.  They had a little reception in the basement with cookies and punch.

Next was Braden's concert.  It was crazy!  We left our house 30 minutes early and got some of the last seats in the gym.  Oops. I guess next year we need to get there at lunch time and camp out!

Norah spent the first part of Braden's concert on the floor playing with my phone!  Hopefully she didn't call anyone. :)  The next half she spent eating cheerios on Steve's lap.  Poor thing has a double ear infection but despite the pain she continues to smile.

Braden looked very handsome and did a great job.  They sang a handful of songs, had a bunch of different movements, and props.  I can't believe he is in elementary school already.  WOW.  

Christmas music coming from children does good for the soul so sing on kiddos!

Learning is FUN!

We continue to work on letters and numbers at home.  Many ideas I have gotten from this great book my neighbor recommended!  It has very quick, simple activities that I prepare five at a time and keep them ready to go in ziplock baggies.  

Braden has come so far.  He works hard and is really having fun finding success and gaining confidence. Here he put all the letters into alphabetical order.

This was another idea from my neighbor who happens to teach kindergarten!!  Braden numbered the stairs and we've practiced finding numbers, counting and adding on them.

Here we were practicing the days of the week and reading!  I gave him the shirts that we were going to hang on a "clothes line" in order.  He had to identify which word was which and then he got to decorate them before hanging them out to dry!! :)

We have both been in our glory and I'm so glad that we've been able to keep it fun and light!  

Life this week...

Olivia had a time out in her room one day this week.  She had missed a nap and she pitched the BIGGEST fit at Braden's school.  She literally cried the entire walk home.  She marched straight upstairs and not 10 minutes later I peeked in because it was quiet.  This is what I saw.  I didn't dare move her because I didn't want her to wake up unrested and go through the whole rigamaroll again.  When she finally came downstairs about 30 minutes later she was well rested and ready to, "be sweet!"

Braden had another family homework assignment.  It was to cut out and decorate a tree.  He drew the tree, cut it out and then chose what to decorate it with.  He used stickers, puff balls, beads and googly eyes.  Then we named it Elfy!

Eric, the Scout Elf, is visiting our house.  He flies away to Santa each night to report on the happenings he's seen and heard.  The next day he resides somewhere new.  Braden and Olivia have had fun looking for him each morning.  Santa also visited Braden, Olivia and Norah through email. Thanks Auntie Chris!! We hope to mail our letters this weekend.