The kids got out of pre-school on December 23rd but we started to prepare our hearts for this beautiful holiday pretty much after Thanksgiving.Advent is such an amazing waiting period. Mom sent a gorgeous wreath with four candles from Hungary and we started two traditions with the kids.
One was a box( well, an egg carton with 24 plus 1 slot) and each day they could open the number, which matched our calendar that very day. Every wrapped surprise had clue in a form of a parable, which we read from our Bible first. We all loved it and it was such a precious time. Mate's first question was what number are we going to open today? (he is really into numbers these days) Here is a link to the idea: http://daniellesplace.com/html/christmas_page2.html
It's called Advent count down.
Each night when we lit the candle(s) we were reading a chapter from Jotham's journey. http://www.jothamsjourney.com/node/39
The library was also a great help with their good Christmas selection. This month we were able to have some missionary friends over, which is such an amazing way to see how the Lord is working all over the world through these precious families.
We also did some baking . It's neat to compare it to last year's experience and see how much easier it is with them now. Yes, it was messy but boy, we had so much fun. This year we painted candle holders for meaningful people in the kids' life like our therapists and school stuff.
Right before Christmas the kids and I dressed up and played out the nativity story in a simplistic but precious way. We all had a blast. It's so neat to see how they all cherish the newborn King Jesus and know Christmas is about Him.
Another fun family evening was when we all got to visit Watt's Christmas farm in Zionsville. The kids fed their deers, played with their trains and we were in awe of their beautiful Chrismas decoration and ornaments. http://www.wattstrainshop.com/
On Christmas eve Dave had to work at the firehouse but with our angels (Cliff and Debbie) we were able to go to our Christmas eve candle light service. It was so amazing and the kids did TERRIFIC sitting, listening and singing.
On Christmas day David's family came over for brunch. We had a good time and after everyone left the seven of us went for a bright and sunny walk around our neighborhood.
It was a simple and very great day.
Enjo the slides.
Have a wonderful new year!
Love, the Manleys
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