Leading up to Christmas

December is always such a wonderful month! This year was no exception. We prepared, we partied, we played, we wrapped, we shared, we spent time together, and most importantly we contemplated the real reason for this wonderful season - our Savior. Last year I created an advent calendar that held a scripture to read each day and filled it with prophesies of the Savior's birth. This year each day we read a story from His life and watched the corresponding Bible video. It was wonderful and the kids really looked forward to it each day (well that and their chocolate advent calendars from Grandma and Grandpa that we opened after reading the scripture for the day). We also made lots of fun memories this month...

Our tree went up the day after Thanksgiving and out came the "baby's first Christmas" shirt!

The weather was wacky! One week we were at the park picking dandelions (yes in December!), the next week we had so much rain our basement flooded a bit, the following week our supposed to be 50 degree Christmas turned in to the most beautiful white Christmases, and by the end of the month it was freezing!

This sweet boy turned 2 months old!

The Saturday before Michael's birthday we celebrated knowing he would be teaching on his actual birthday. We joined the Iowa's Deaf Night Out group for ice skating at a cool outdoor rink in downtown Des Monies. It was so much fun!

Daddy and the big girls skating. 

Lenora cried every minute she was on the ice but didn't want to go home. 

Our ward had a wonderful Christmas party where as Primary President I was in charge of the nativity. Eliza was a cute little sheep and Hazel was an angel. Orson was supposed to be baby Jesus but he was screaming his head off when the time came so we quickly grabbed another baby and sent her on instead. Sorry buddy!

Hazel's class earned a dress up day and she decided to go as a present. She thought up this costume all by herself. I love her creativity and imagination!

To: Mrs. Zimmerman, From: Hazel

One day Eliza, Lenora, and I had a tea party for lunch while Hazel was a school. They clinked their glasses and drank their milk from tea cups with such style. I love these two!

I found a school performance of the Nutcracker by Ballet Des Monie and determined I HAD to take the girls. So I pulled them out of school for the day and we went to a show with our friends that home-school. The company put on a one hour version that was perfect for them. Then I took the girls out to lunch. It was a much mommy-daughter date for all of us. I really enjoyed being able to treat them to something fun without a baby and toddler in tow. Hazel even commented, "Mom, it's so nice to be able to talk to you without Lenora interrupting us!" These girls have been so helpful since Orson was born and they totally deserved a fun "big girl" day.

Rose, Hazel, Abe, and Eliza

Hazel signing "ballet" and Eliza at lunch. 

Hazel (my little mini-me) and I

Orson loved hanging out under the Christmas tree. We'd set him down like this and he'd just stare and stare at the lights. He also started smiling a lot! The only time he looks even a bit like me is when he's smiling.

Mesmerized by the tree lights. 

The girls played Santa and his reindeer over and over again this month.

Eliza and Lenora the reindeer pulling Santa Hazel with her toy sack. 

Eliza and Lenora also put on a ballet of the Nutcracker for me. It seems like just yesterday it was Hazel with little Eliza creating ballets for me. Meanwhile, Orson chilled in his seat and smiled away. He is such a happy, sweet boy.

We did plenty of baking and delivering goodies. Daddy made peanut brittle several times as well. Always with tons of help which takes twice as long but also makes it twice as fun.

Before we knew it school was out for Christmas break. Michael finished his first semester of his Doctorate! (and with straight As!!!) He works so hard at school, at work, and at church and still manages to help out around the house. We are so blessed to have him! Then it was time to kick back, relax, and wait for our many guests to arrive.