Christmas Is On The Way!

And I am so glad! The kids will be off of school, Christmas Day, James will be here to visit, my newest babysitting gig will be over. I just can't wait.

Bekah's birthday party was fun and I should have pictures soon. The girls put on ballet outfits that I made and danced around. We played bingo and just had fun. The ballet slipper cake did not make out of the cake pan, but we substituted with cupcakes with pink icing. Amy and I decorated the house with pink and white balloons and ribbon. It looked really cute. Can't wait to put the pictures up.

Paul is really involved in his duties of 3rd grade representative. He alternates between putting up the flags and doind safety patrol, which means we have to get to school early. It's a challenge for us but it's worth the lessons of responsibility and commitment he's learning. Paul also had his first flag football game last night. We did not win, but the boys had a good time and they learned more about how to play. Plus, the other team had boys that were much bigger and most likely older. Our coach does a really good job of mixing in the discipline it takes to play the game and encouraging the kids to have fun.

Paul and Tim are off hunting this weekend. They left shortly after the game last night. It's a special trip they take with a guy that time works with. I know Paul was excited for that too. Big weekend for him. Bekah and I are going to the Christmas deal at the school. There will be lots of crafts to do so Bekah will have a good time.

The last few weeks have been tough for me with the babysitting. The baby wants to be held ALL the time and screams and screams and screams and screams and screams. Yesterday she cried for and hour and a half straight and I ended up with a headache and a desire to quit right then. But I said I would watch them (there are three girls, two come after school) until the end of the month, which actually means until school lets out. Only two more weeks...I hope I make it. Plus there have been issues with the other girls lying. ARRRGGGGHHHH! Definitely can't wait to stop! I'll have Rian until just after the new year but she is like a part of our family and no trouble at all, usually.

On a better note, we've been watching lots of Christmas movies, which the kids have loved. Bekah and I read Christmas stories last night and sang some songs. We started decorating the house this week and put up our outside lights. It's all very fun! And in the midst of it all, I try to always remember why we celebrate this wonderful season. I am so glad Jesus was born. I'm so thankful that He chose to be a sacrifice for my sin. And I thank Him every day for picking me up out of the world and puting His Spirit in my heart. In my class at church I've tried to encourage the kids to think of gifts they can give to Jesus and I just hope that my gifts to Him are pleasing in His sight.

That's all for now. Merry Christmas!