Christmas, so far!

We have had a WONDERFUL holiday season so far! I love spending time with loved ones, seeing the lights, trimming the tree, reading Christmas stories, school parties, etc. I also love this season because it is a great opportunity to teach our children about kindess, generosity, and serving others. London's kindergarten teacher told the kids about a school in a nearby school district whose children most likely wouldn't have a Christmas this year. She asked for any small donations for these kids. The children's school teacher had taken it upon herself to make a gift bag for each child with hats, mittens, socks, school supplies, and a toy. What a wonderful heart this teacher has! Anyways, London's teacher shared this other teacher's story, and London came home and told us about it. We had planned on doing some shopping anyways that night, so I told her we could pick up a few things to take for the kids. London did something then that made me cry, and made me so proud to be her mom. She gathered up every dime she had and combed the house for change. She told me that she wanted to use all her money to help out the kids who otherwise may not have a Christmas. We went to the store and Londy picked out some school supplies and paid for them with her own money. You should have seen the look of joy on her face! She also hit up Grandma, Aunt Jenny and Uncle York, and us to help out. What a great learning experience!

The kids loved decorating our home and Christmas tree this year! Beckett won the battle of who gets to put the awesome star up on top, so he was happy as a clam! Matt's Aunt Janine will be out of town for Christmas (she's a comedienne on a cruise ship) so she came up to visit and exchange gifts. The kids have had a ball with the fun puzzles and books she brought!

London has loved celebrating the season at school this year. Her teacher has done so many fun crafts, stories, activites, etc. I was able to help out with the class "Polar Express" party. So cute! I love seeing Londy interact with her classmates! The kids participated in the school sing a long; singing a rap version of "Up on the Housetop" complete with santa hats and sunglasses. It was darling! I didn't get any great pictures of the performance because London kept standing directly behind one kid or another! We can't wait for the upcoming week!!!

Can you say OCD??? Beck insisted on taking every piece of wrapping paper or tape directly to the garbage can before tearing off another. We finally had to bring the garbage can to him to hurry the process along! Love this little guy!

London reading Beck's new book, Green Eggs and Ham to the Pipster!

Below: London doing her best Ray Charles impression during the sing a long rehearsal! She looks a little bit special...