Merry Christmas

Making Santa Cookies and Reindeer Food

Outtakes (21)

Is the {PERFECT} picture possible with a 2 and 3 year old??????????????

Kid-Friendly Confections and a 3-D Movie (20)

The elves had a great time unwrapping all the rollos and hugs and gently placing a candy on each pretzel. The rule was, once all the candies were unwrapped they could eat the last one that needed to be uncovered. Both B and E did exactly that. They worked so hard and were so patient to unwrap each individual candy without eating a one. It was a great little activity to involve them in the candy making process too! Now when we take our candies to our family members, they can honestly say they made these simple treats. {what you see is exactly what they are} We finished our evening with the 3-D version of the Polar Express. We lasted about 2 minutes in the glasses and then changed to the regular version, but not before MomBE had to get a few great pictures. A fun evening to have just 4 days before Christmas!!!!!

A Weekend to BELIEVE in (19)

This weekend MiMi and Papa took us along with the other 4 Rogers to Branson to ride on the Polar Express. It was a magical experience for all who attended. Donning our matching pajamas embroidered with names, we got on the train while {snow} blew around them in the air. We sipped (B devoured) hot cocoa and ate sprinkled cookies, we looked out the window at light displays all the way to the {north pole} where we picked up Santa and saw elves turning flips and walking on their hands. The conductor came through our car and punched our tickets with the first letter of each of our names. The chef's came through and sang a few carols in sweet harmony. Santa and Mrs. Claus brought each one of us a bell and it sang its sweet song in our ears when we shook it. And if only for a moment that Saturday, all was right in everyone's world, and I think we all BELIEVED again!

The Best Shepherd in all the Land (day 18)

I really dropped the ball on the very first big performance of B's. I must have missed the flier with the details? I thought he was simply having a little church service with some carol singing. Boy was I wrong............Our little shepherd was the star or a fairly large production and some of his most important people missed it. I learned my lesson, and sweet Benjamin was very understanding. I will know for next time to make sure of the plan. As usual, our precious little boy was so cute and wanted to make sure and say hello to his little sister in the audience. Listen carefully and you will hear the sweetest shepherd in all the land.

17th Advent

Tiny hands creating a masterpiece

Day 16 of Advent

Thanks to the witch and her family we are watching my FAVORITE Christmas movie, The Very First Noel, tonight and sharing it with B's pre-school class on Friday before the program. If you have not seen it, and have little elves yourself, it is the greatest little short on the story of baby Jesus, with beautiful music and narration by Andy Griffith. We love it in our house. Thanks Auntie Liz, we love you!

The Very First Noel

Close Window

15 Advent

Even today as I turn 34 years of age, I still find it difficult to "share" my birthday with the holiday season. I guess it is that selfish part of me that wants all the attention for me, wants people to give me two gifts, one for my birthday and one for Christmas, instead of combining the holiday so they only have to buy one gift! Anyway, I am only a tiny bit serious when I say that and really just refer to the thoughts I had when I was young, but admittedly.................I have always thought I missed out on one thing growing up........having a POOL PARTY!!!!!!

I guess I will just have to live vicariously through my sweet, come end-of-spring, baby girl!!!!

Two "new" Additions

Because our little elves are so big this year, we finally got out some of our decorations that in Christmas' past we have had to keep away from little hands and open mouths. Benjamin loves his Christmas train and we are all enjoying our Nativity Scene. Both of these "decorations" have so much meaning to me. The train was a gift from a dear family I babysat for in college. When they gave it to me I could not even imagine children in my future, and now I am watching my almost four year old play with it under our tree. And the nativity scene is such an exciting addition because they are getting to an age where the story of Baby Jesus makes sense to them and the true meaning of Christmas is more understandable to them each year.

13th Advent: A Red Letter Day at the Rogers

Guess what we are doing 6 days from now, thanks to Mimi and Papa? A chocolate Santa countdown to the Polar Express! A train ride to the "North Pole" to pick up Santa, with hot cocoa and new pajamas to boot! Mimi and Papa have outdone themselves this time! Precious pjs, VIP tickets to ride with Santa, and a night's stay in Branson! Wow, we are blessed, and it certainly is a red-letter day of discovery! Can't wait to fill you all in on the actual red letter DAY adventure! Life is so fun through these sweet children's eyes, it will surely be wonderful!