Advent Chain--Days 6 and 7

So I'm obviously a bit behind on my posts--moving ahead at the speed of life I guess!  I don't have any photos of the activities either, so I thought I'd just throw up a cute one of the C.N.  Day 6 was to go to the Noodle's preschool Christmas carol party (the last minute decision not to go caroling out in the drizzle and just sing in the church was cheered by all the parents) and then nosh on cocoa and cookies afterwards. 

Day 7 was to color Christmas pages.  This started off well, but then the printer decided to jam up on me as I was to suppose to be walking out the door to go teach Centergy.  Isn't that always the way?!  When you're in a rush, technology NEVER cooperates.  That's o.k.  The Noodle and Lollie had a fun time just coloring in regular coloring books.  Good ol' fashion fun!

Tomorrow is going to be another whirl-wind day, so we'll what that holds.

Advent Chain--Day 5

Today's activity was to get out the L*ttle P*ople Nativity scene and set it up.  Each year the Noodle gets sooo excited to do this and it just brings a smile to my face.  She informed me she'd be happy to play with the creche while I am preparing dinner each night.    I love to hear her talking away, pretending and playing while I'm busy dicing and chopping.  So sweet!

Advent Chain Day 4

A certain "older" elf helped the Noodle make up her Christmas list.  Somethings we had heard about and knew she was longing for (a Cars backpack and Thomas books) and other things were a bit surprising (not sure about all of the Kung Fu Panda items...) and I'm pretty sure that Santa will be holding off a couple more years before embarking on the "electronic" gifts i.e. the DS.  I especially love the third item from the bottom--kisses.  Now I know Santa can deliver on those!  She informed me later on that she forgot something very important--goggles.  Yes, she's been talking about wanting those since this summer.  What a goof!

Advent Chain--Day 3

The sleepover was a success, as the smiles indicate.  When I called this morning, Papa answered and asked if the Noodle wanted to talk to me.  "No" she said.  At least she's honest.  Ha!

Today's Advent chain link is all about sugar, sugar, sugar--to build with, that is.  Not to eat.  We specifically bought candies that we wouldn't be tempted to nibble on.  Necco wafers?  Blech.  But they make such a perfect little roof for a "gingerbread" house.  Now, truth be told, we didn't actually use gingerbread.  Graham crackers to be exact.  But they work just as well and you still have that oh-so-sweet sugary smell as you're working thanks to the icing (which was also store bought--perfect consistency).

We experimented with our "technique".  J, the model-building expert, went to town on the Noodle's and his Frank Lloyd Wright "Falling Waters" inspired abode.  Me?  I covered a school-lunch milk carton and used that as my framework.  Both ways worked and I think all 3 turned out great!  What do you think?

Advent Chain Day 2

So today's post isn't quite so Advent related, but it is fun!  The Noodle is sleeping over at Lollie and Papa's house tonight.  The itinerary?  Chinese food for dinner ;) then the movie Charlotte's Web and to top it off, the Noodle gets to "rough" it in her sleeping bag.  I think we're going to take over bagels tomorrow morning, so that will certainly cap off a good time.

 J and I are going to go out and celebrate my birthday, a few days early.  Yipee!  A date night :) 

Advent Chain--Day 1

Since the calendar has flipped over to December, that means it is time to start our Advent count-down.  Yeah!  Most of the events are the same as in previous years, but hey, that's what family traditions are all about, right?! 

In the bible study I'm doing right now, we've been talking about the importance of "living in the moment", especially in regards to our kiddos.  To really take time and just BE with them.  Listen to them.  Experience them.  Cherish them. 

That's one of the things I enjoy about our count-down.  While there are certainly a few "events" that we've planned, most of the things are just fun ways to hang out as a family and enjoy soaking in every bit of this glorious holiday--the Advent of the birth of our Lord.

So....Day 1's event consisted of making our paper chain; and of course the teacher in me couldn't help but focus on the patterning and number identification aspect of the activity either, ha!

Mother-daughter combos?!

I never thought I'd fall prey to a mother-daughter outfit combo, but these "rock star" shoes, as the Noodle calls them, were too cute not to get in a smaller size.

And yes, we have worn them at the same time.  Never say never, right?!?!